It is with humble and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Mr. Gavin Yates-Lyons, 18, who departed this earthly life on Monday, May 25, 2026.

Viewing-visitation will be 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Friday, June 12, 2026, at the Old West Enrichment Center, 2344 Lake Bradford Road, Tallahassee, FL 32310.

A Celebration of Life will be 3:00 p.m., Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Old West Enrichment Center, 2344 Lake Bradford Road, Tallahassee, FL 32310.

The Interment will be 12:00 p.m., Monday, June 15, 2026, at the Tallahassee National Cemetery, 5015 Apalachee Pkwy, Tallahassee, FL 32311.

All resolutions may be sent to: tillmanfh1931@gmail.com.

Gavin Rashad Yates-Lyons, was born on April 30, 2008, in Tallahassee, Florida. He transitioned from this life on Monday, May 25, 2026, in Tallahassee, Florida.

Gavin began his educational journey at Gilchrist Elementary School. He later attended John Paul Il Catholic High School and Lincoln High School in Tallahassee before graduating from Lowndes High School in Valdosta, Georgia, where he was a standout member of the Vikings Football Team. Following graduation, Gavin continued both his academic and athletic pursuits at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, where he excelled as a student and football player.

An exceptional young man, Gavin was not only gifted, he demonstrated excellence both academically and athletically. At just 17 years old, his coaches at Ball State recognized him as a natural leader with extraordinary potential. Beyond football, Gavin enjoyed pickleball, fishing, and car detailing. He possessed a strong entrepreneurial spirit and proudly operated his own detailing business, Game Day Detailing.

Gavin was not only gifted in athletics, but he also possessed a deep faith and unwavering commitment to his Lord and Savior from an early age. At the age of four, he became a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a Junior Usher. Later in life, he attended St. Peter's Anglican Cathedral in Tallahassee and Crossroads Baptist Church in Valdosta, Georgia.

Gavin's love, light, and legacy will forever be cherished by his loving parents, Michael and Ardrenia Blackshear Lyons; biological parents, Ira Denson and Cristine Yates; brothers: Fredrick Demps, Jr., Michael Yates, ChanceGutierrez, Tyquan Denson, Irahn Denson, and Ira (Nikia) Denson, Jr.; sisters: Lisa Haynes, Iresha (Ed) Shuler, and Natalie Denson; grandparents: Samuel and Brenda Howard; Flossie Blackshear, and Curtis and Jean Perryman; aunt, Sabrina (Clemon) Franklin; special Riddell family member, Emma Amold; godparents, Elders James and Dr. Alisha Bradley Nelson, Harrison and Carolyn Covington.

He also leaves to cherish his memory many special 4 PSAV friends whom he loved like siblings: Tobi Adewayin, Jonathan "Rod" Aikins, Bubba Brown, Breana Carter, Ace Cooper, Kam Campbell, Maliek Denmark, Vern Faulk, Gavin Ford, Donovan Hamilton, Tremaine Hughes, Jayce Johnson, Braneisha Livingston, Cambree Lucas, Stone Perkins, Travis Phelps, Jessica Rodriguez, Stu Smith, Shay Soto, Derrick Thompson, Jr., Camen Upshaw, Zion Walker, Jerrell Washington, Jordyn White, Khalil Williams, Nari Williams, Mason Wood, and Raylen Wilson.

Gavin was additionally blessed with the love and support of those he cherished like mothers, Amanda Thomas and Lashonda Henry; his furry companions, Mocha and Crimson Lyons; and a host of other loving relatives and dear friends. Though his time on earth was brief, Gavin's impact was immeasurable. His smile, determination, faith, and love for others will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He had a Build-A Bear (Bearby) that he always carried. The bear had Gavin's heartbeat and was named Gavin, Jr.

It is our esteemed honor to have been entrusted with the care of Mr. Yates-Lyons and to serve the Yates-Lyons family.