In Memory of Sergeant William Yancey

On Thursday, September 2, 2021, officials representing the Lake City Police Department in Georgia faced briefing residents about losing one of their veteran officers. Sergeant William Yancey passed away due to complications resulting from contracting COVID19 during his duties. Yancey was a civil servant, a law enforcement officer with the Lake City Police Department for more than 37 years. Yancey was 57 years old.

Yancey was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and graduated from Colonial Hill Christian School in 1982. After high school, he immediately went into law enforcement, looking forward to a life-long career. His first position was with the Forest Park Police. He then chose to serve with the Morrow Police Department. In all total, he gave 37 years of his life to help others.

Yancy had been married to his wife for more than 35 years. He was known as a real “family man.” He enjoyed collecting movies and music, yard work, and gardening. He also enjoyed spending time with his wife on weekly “treasure hunts” at flea markets and thrift stores. He loved the time it gave him with his wife and found the perfect items for their home.

Lake City Police Department

Yancey had served the LCPD for over 37 years. He was the proud wearer of badge number 2211. The Lake City Police Department serves their community with sixteen fully sworn officers and one civilian administrative employee. Despite the smaller size of the department, the agency has patrols 24-hours-per-day and has a response rate average of fewer than two minutes.

The agency has two investigators, and they work hand-in-hand with the Clayton County District Attorney’s office to help put criminals behind bars. The current Police Chief Whitmore has many years of experience as an officer and took over the agency in 2018. The loss of a veteran officer like Sgt. Yancey could significantly impact the department and its morale. Losing a colleague can be devastating, and officers work so closely together it can be like losing a family member.

Remembrances

Sergeant William Yancey leaves behind his wife, four children, and two grandchildren. Yancey touched many lives in his area of Georgia. Residents, friends, family, and colleagues will join together to honor the sacrifice made by Yancey on their behalf.

The Lake City Police Department posted the details of the loss on their Facebook page. It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Sgt. William Jeffrey Yancey. If you ever met Sgt. Yancey, you would know he’s the most – easy-going, mild-tempered person there is. He was a very compassionate and caring person that will be missed by all. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. Rest Easy Sgt. Yancey, we’ve got the watch from here, brother.

The International Association of Chiefs of Police, or the IACP, shared information about the loss on social media. “Our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Sergeant William Jeffery Yancey, Lake City Police Department, Georgia.”

Michael Hanley shared his grief on social media. Hanley was a member of Sgt. Yancey’s family. “Sgt. William Yancey was such a great gentle giant who I asked to walk his sister Jennifer Yancey Morganthall down the aisle to me to exchange our vows next spring. I talked to him every other day and exchanged funny stories, talked movies, and funny memes on a daily basis. This great man texted his sister every morning for years, “good morning sunshine” at 7 am. My heart is broken, but your memory will always last, my friend! I miss you so much. Thank you to the Lake City Police Department for putting up with his quirkiness and Dad jokes. You will be missed, my brother! Peace and love.”