A Funeral Mass for William M. Yancey, 57, of Beaumont will be celebrated Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Anthony Cathedral with cremation to follow. A gathering of friends and family will be Friday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home with a Vigil service at 6:00 p.m.

Pallbearers will include David Carroll, Barry Yancey, Steve Eichner, Bryan Yancey, Kris Johnston, Ray Posey and Thomas Murphy. Honorary Pallbearers are Christopher Eichner, Blake Hamilton, Tommy Coble and James Buehler.

William was born December 29, 1953 in Beaumont to James and Peggy Yancey and passed away Monday, September 12, 2011 at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital. A lifelong resident of Beaumont, he was a graduate of Beaumont High School and Lamar University and worked for Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital as an LVN. He attended St. Anthony Cathedral and was also a member of First Baptist Church.

William was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved the ocean, taking cruises, jazz music and participating in the Renaissance Festival.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Dianne Yancey of Beaumont; mother, Peggy Yancey of Beaumont; daughters, Kari Yancey and Katie Evenson of Beaumont, Jessica Yancey of Woodville; and granddaughter, Olivia Laney of Beaumont. He is also survived by a sister and brother-in-law,, Judy and Ray Posey of Lumberton; brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-law, Joanne and Steve Eichner of Columbia, CT, Susan Hamilton of Coventry, CT, Thomas and Debbie Murphy of Plainfield, CT, Nancy and David Carroll of Mocksville, NC and Tommy and Pat Franks of Beaumont.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Yancey and brother, Michael Yancey.