ALFRED L YATES

Alfred L Yates, age 89, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, November 14, 2019 surrounded by his children. He was born at home on Caney Ridge on April 17, 1930 to the late Sylvan and Dacie Stanley Yates. Preceding him in death are Sylvan and Dacie Yates, his parents,  Joan Barrett Yates, his wife of 48 years, an infant son Alan Yates, two sisters, Osia Stanley and Agness Salyers, three brothers, Holmes Yates, Foster Yates and Theo Yates.

He is survived by wife Dorothy Dotson Yates; one sister, Zella Mullins of Clintwood; one brother, Phillip E Lee and wife Valerie of Big Stone Gap; two daughters, Jennifer J and husband George Spolarich and Rita Yates Smith, all of King, NC; two sons, Jeffrey L Yates and wife Susan Alderman Yates and Timothy G Yates and wife Deborah Killen Yates, all of Clintwood; grandchildren, Kevin Spolarich, Kenny Spolarich, Stephanie Smith, Phillip Smith, Christopher Yates and Nathan Yates; great-grandchildren, Makayla, Faith and Cayleigh. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, and a host of friends and relatives.

He was honored to serve his country in the US Army during the Korean War, earning several citations.

Dad was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He loved the outdoors and especially when it included his grandchildren.

A. L was a member of the Old Regular Baptist Church for almost 45 years. His brothers and sisters in love were especially dear to him. He served as minister for the Turner Old Regular Baptist Church for more than 35 years and as moderator for several years, considering it an honor and labor of love.

Services were held at Mullins Funeral Home on Sunday, November 17, 2019. Visitation began at 10 a.m. with services that followed at 11 a.m., officiated by Mike Stanley. Burial followed at Zachary Yates Family Cemetery on Caney Ridge. Grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cure SMA, 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, Illinois, 60007 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Pl, Memphis Tenn., 38105-9959. Online condolences may be made at www.mullinsfuneralhome.net.

Mullins Funeral Home and Staff are serving the Yates Family.