Napoleon Yates Jr.

On March 10, 1958 Napoleon "June Bug" Yates, Jr. was born in Grenada, Mississippi to Napoleon "Pop" Yates, Sr. and Audie I. Cooley (who peacefully passed away hours before he did on March 11, 2026).

Napoleon attended elementary school in Grenada, Mississippi before attending Boys State.

Upon completing Boys State, Napoleon entered the military by joining the branch of the United States Army. While serving in the Army, Napoleon was employed as a Military Police Officer. He was stationed in Germany before coming to Fort Pickett, Virginia. It was at Fort Pickett that he met his better half and soulmate, Gloria Laverne Jackson.

After leaving the Military, Napoleon started as career as a Correction's Officer for the Virginia Department of Corrections, working over twenty years at five major facilities and retiring with the rank of Sergeant.

Napoleon started a career driving trucks after completing Truck Driver's School at Southside Community College. He had a tenure of over a decade driving trucks.

Throughout the years, Napoleon volunteered as a Youth Sports Coach in Football and Basketball in Blackstone, VA.

He once managed an upcoming rap group "The Devastation Crew" which completed a full studio album with live performances.

Napoleon became a business owner when he opened Yates Transportation Cab Services. He also opened a small thrift store for a period of time.

In 1979, Napoleon married Gloria Laverne Jackson. During that time he assumed the role of a father for this unions oldest child, Bradley Jackson, Sr. whom he loved and raised as his son. In 1983, this union created Napoleon "Tray" Yates, III who Napoleon referred to as "Scoot". Napoleon and Gloria created a foundation of love and support for many others outside of their own home. Family was very close to him, although he lived in Virginia, his Mississippi Roots were embedded in his soul. Napoleon was a straight shooter type person with a heart of gold. A great provider, protector and father, but went a step further when he became a grandfather. He loved his grandchildren unconditionally.

Napoleon was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria J. Yates; his father, Napoleon Yates, Sr.; his mother, Audie C. Yates; brothers, Alexander Yates and R.A. Yates; seven brothers-in-law; four sisters-in-law.

He is survived by his sons, Bradley (Leeanna), Napoleon III (Nikki) of Blackstone, VA; grandchildren, T.J., Shawn, Britney, Ariana, Tre'Auna, Kahlia, and his partner, Napoleon IV "Tookie"; siblings, Clark Yates, Petoria Yates (Cathy) of Grenada, MS, Gayla (Cynthia), Arlenda (Mary), Anthony Yates of San Antonio, TX, Alma Lois Betts of San Diego, CA, Annie Taylor of Yonkers, NY, Barbara Yates of Grand Rapids, MI, Caprice (Keith) of Indianapolis, IN and John Yates (Sandra) of Grand Rapids, MI; five brothers-in-law; seven sisters-in-law; between his Virginia and his Mississippi families over fifty nieces and nephews, over one hundred great nieces and nephews, over ten great-great nieces and nephews and hundreds of cousins and friends.