Chief Mickey L. Yates, 47, died in a motor vehicle accident while responding to the scene of an earlier accident on July 6, 2013. He served as chief of Greenfield Volunteer Fire Department for 23 years. He was passionate, hardworking, and dedicated to the department. He spent countless hours working to get necessary equipment and make the department stronger.

A resident of Decatur, Mississippi, he was an active member of Sand Springs Baptist Church. He was remembered as a devoted family man.

He is survived by his wife, Karla Yates, and seven children, Julie Thompson, Tyler Yates, Josh Thompson, Zach Yates, Kaylee Yates, Tyler Green, and Brandon Yates. Also surviving are his mother, Nancy Yates Thorne, and her husband, Curtis; two stepbrothers, Wendell and Chris Thorne; stepsister, LeeAnn Henry; and several nieces, nephews, and other family members.