Dennis Harlan Yankey

Dennis Harlan Yankey, 76, of Mineral, Virginia, son of Walter and Mary Viginia Crummett Yankey of Nokesville, Virginia passed from this life on Monday, January 27,2025 after a long and valiant journey with prostate cancer. Denny was married to his high school sweetheart Beth DeCourcey Yankey for 53 years.
Denny grew up in Nokesville, was a lifelong BDHS Tiger, and was a member, former Sunday School teacher, camp counselor, youth advisor and Deacon at the Nokesville Church of the Brethren. From 1969 to 1971, he served God and his fellow man in Brethren Volunteer Service and as a peace advisor afterwards. Denny retired from Verizon after 32 years of service in telecommunications. He was subsequently employed by Prince William County Schools as a special needs bus driver for 10 years. In 2015, Denny and Beth moved to Lake Anna, Mineral, Viginia where he enjoyed retirement by cutting wood, fishing, boating, camping, and playing corn hole.
A lifelong sports fan, Denny especially loved baseball, the New York Yankees, Virginia Tech, and the Washington Football team. He coached The Nokesville Church of the Brethren Softball team for about 30 years and played competitive softball until the age of 64 for a number of teams, including Nick's, Boyd's, Chelsea Jo's, and Thomas Engineering. In 2001, he was inducted into the Prince William County Softball Hall of Fame. He was a humble man who enjoyed helping others and could fix things with duct tape and tie wraps. Described by friends as the kindest person they knew, Denny was a peacemaker who led by example and was well loved by family and friends who nicknamed him the Donut Man because he never met a donut he didn't like.
He is survived by his wife, Beth; son Matthew Yankey (Robin); daughter Julie Heflin (Andy); and four grandchildren Ryan Yankey, Reece Yankey, Meredith (Casey) Yankey, and Taylor Heflin all of whom brought great joy to his life. In turn, they considered him the World's Best PopPop. He is also survived by his sister, Marlyn Yankey McClure; and nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of devoted friends.
Denny's memorial service will be held at 2p.m. on March 1,2025, at the Nokesville Church of the Brethren, Nokesville, Virginia with Pastor Janet Myers officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow in Valley View Cemetery, Nokesville.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Nokesville Church of the Brethren (PO Box 56, Nokesville, VA 20182-0056) or Habitat for Humanity.