William "Bill" Yearta

William M. (Bill) Yearta, 94, of Moultrie, passed away Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Colquitt Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 3:00 pm in the chapel of Baker Funeral Home with Reverend Dr. Hugh B. Ward and Mr. Steve Bass officiating. A private interment will follow at Westview Cemetery. John Yearta, Cliff Yearta, Scott Brown, Jody Redding, Steve Bass, and Jack Drew will serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the funeral home.

Born on November 24, 1931, to the late John W. Yearta and Audrey M. Yearta. He was raised in the rural farming community of Iron City in Seminole County, Georgia. Bill developed an early love for agriculture and dreamed of becoming a farmer. While he only farmed full-time for two years, his appreciation for agriculture remained a lifelong passion and ultimately became the foundation of a remarkable career dedicated to educating young people.

After serving in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958, where he was entrusted with educating and training new recruits, Bill returned home with a renewed commitment to teaching. He pursued advanced studies in education, earning a Specialist degree and beginning a distinguished career that would impact generations of students and educators.

For more than twenty years, Bill taught agricultural studies at Moultrie High School. There, he became much more than a teacher. He was a mentor, encourager, and role model to countless young men whose lives were shaped by his guidance, wisdom, and belief in their potential.

Former students often spoke of his warm smile, his encouraging words, and the sincere interest he took in their success both inside and outside the classroom.

His leadership abilities led him to positions of increasing responsibility within the Colquitt County School System. He served as Vocational Director, Assistant Superintendent, and ultimately Superintendent of Schools, where he concluded a career marked by vision, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to educational excellence. Though he held many titles throughout his career, Bill always considered himself first and foremost an educator.·

Faith was the cornerstone of his life. Baptized at Spring Creek Unity Church of God in Seminole County, he carried his Christian faith with him throughout his life. He faithfully served as a deacon at Trinity Baptist Church and sought to reflect Christ's love through service, kindness, and humility.

Bill's greatest joy was his family. He was immensely proud of his three sons and the families they built. Family gatherings brought him special happiness, and he treasured every opportunity to spend time with those he loved. His devotion to his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family was evident in the way he cared for them, supported them, and celebrated their accomplishments.

Education was not merely Bill's profession-it was his hobby, his passion, and his calling. He believed deeply in the ability of learning to change lives and worked tirelessly to help others reach their full potential. He was a peacemaker by nature, a man who sought harmony, encouraged cooperation, and worked quietly behind the scenes to ensure the success of students, the well-being of his family, and the happiness of those around him.

Bill will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his welcoming smile, his encouraging words, and his unwavering commitment to helping others succeed. His legacy lives on through the hundreds of students he influenced, the educators he mentored, the family he cherished, and the faith he faithfully practiced throughout his life.

His was truly a life of purpose, service, and love.

Along with his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife Joye Beddingfield Yearta.

He is survived by his sons, William J. Yearta and wife, Susan of Sylvester, Stephen M. Yearta and wife, Maureen, and Carlton Yearta of Moultrie; grandchildren, John W. Yearta of Moultrie, Elizabeth Anne Uhl and husband, Douglas of Alpharetta, Mary Katheryn Rogers and husband, Ford of Athens, Clifford B. Yearta of Atlanta, and Nayah Yearta of Harrisburg, PA; great-grandchildren, Lennon Beth Wilkes Yearta, Grace Shealy Yearta of Moultrie, Rayford “Porter” Rogers, IV, Caroline Rogers of Athens, Camryn Elizabeth Uhl and Bennett Macfarlane Uhl; brother W. Lowell Yearta of Dothan, AL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Colquitt Regional Medical Foundation in Mr. Yearta’s memory.

Arrangements entrusted to Baker Funeral Home & Crematory.