Willis "Brownie" Yeager

Willis “Brownie” Yeager was born on April 19, 1934, in Mercer County, Kentucky, to the late Orvile and Nannie Belle Yeager. Known to everyone as Brownie, he carried that name so naturally that even his grandchildren were surprised to learn his name was Willis.

At the heart of his life was his wife of more than 72 years, Sue Yeager. Their years together held a lifetime of work, family, friendships, and memories.

Growing up on the family farm, Brownie learned early the value of hard work—a lesson he carried throughout his life and passed along to his children and grandchildren. He worked as a commercial construction superintendent for more than 25 years before retiring. He was also a regional oil well investor and owner/operator, which might explain the little smirk that appeared on his face whenever gas prices went up.

For nearly 40 years, Brownie and Sue divided their time between Louisville and his favorite place in the world: Wolf River Dock at Dale Hollow Lake. Hunting and fishing were lifelong passions, but much of his joy came from sharing them. He passed along his knowledge, his love of the outdoors, and his appreciation for a good day on the water to his children, grandchildren, and countless friends.

Some of the best memories of Brownie will always belong to the lake—the fishing trips, the stories, and the fish fries that brought family and friends together. He loved entertaining, and a day’s catch became another reason to gather the people he loved around him.

Brownie was also a Shriner and an accomplished bowler. Whatever he was doing, his hard work, sense of humor, and willingness to share the things he loved left a lasting impression on those around him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Judy Yeager, Bonnie Coke, and Herman Yeager.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sue; his son, Ray Yeager; his daughter, Mardy Holcomb, and her husband, Scott; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Brownie’s legacy lives on in the family he loved and the traditions he passed down. He will be remembered with every line cast into the lake, every family fish fry, and every story that begins, “Remember when Brownie…”