Yates, William Charles
William Charles Yates, 86, “Bill” to his family and friends, of Pulaski, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 1, 2015, after a long illness in the comfort of family and friends. He was born in Clintwood in 1929 and a graduate of Grundy High School.
He attended Lees McRae College and arrived in Pulaski in 1955, spending his first nights in town in the Maple Lodge. He began with Home Credit Company in 1956 and spent his entire professional career with Home Credit Company, later Barclays American Financial, retiring in 1984.
Known to be strong, loyal, opinionated, fearless and independent, he was a dedicated contributing member of the community. He never met a stranger or refused anyone in need.
He was an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Army having served during the Korean Conflict. He was a 55-year mason and a member of the Pulaski Masonic Lodge AF & AM – Pythagoras 239. He was a longtime member of the Pulaski Elks Lodge. He was a member of Memorial Baptist Church in Pulaski, where he married Jeane Marie Sutphin Yates in 1957.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester Lawrence Yates and Sarah Jane Matney Yates; and his sisters, Lavada Edwards and Betty Burns.
He is survived by his beloved and dedicated wife of 58 years, Jeane Yates; daughter, Sarah Yates McGee; son, Chuck Yates, and daughter, Iris Yates Bevins; daughter-in-law, Shannon Yates; sons-in-laws, Michael McGee and Ron Bevins; grandchildren, Amanda McGee, Tyler Yates, Jacob McGee, Kasey Bevins; niece, Rebecca Galyon; and nephew, Richard Edwards; his beloved dog, Sandy.
Special thanks and love to cherished friends, Robyn Arnett Payne, Rose Davis, and Tracy Brown.
The family will be receiving friends on Thursday, September 3, 2015 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home Pulaski, with Masonic Rites to follow.
The procession will be accompanied by Patriot Guard on Friday morning for a 10 a.m. graveside service and interment at the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery, in Dublin, with Pulaski V.F.W. Post #1184 conducting military graveside rites.
Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski.