ROCKINGHAM — Albert Yates Jr, 84, of Rockingham, completed his earthly journey on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2021.
Jr. was born Oct. 2, 1936 in Richmond County, a son of the late Albert and Marie Ewing Yates.
He attended school at Rohanen and Hamlet and served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1955-1959. In the mid 1960s, he helped to organize Boy Scout Troop 219 which was sponsored by East Rockingham Church of God. He was always so proud to have been a part of molding young boys into some of our community’s finest men. Jr. went back to school and received an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Administration and worked in the food industry for many years. He worked for L&L Cleaners for 19 years. He also worked as a guard at Aleo L’eggs plant and West Rockingham plant, retiring from Security Forces after seven years.
Jr. was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved all of his many nieces and nephews and was often referred to by the younger kids in his family as Uncle Jr. He was a faithful member of Emmanuel Ministries in Hamlet for many years, where he helped organize the church food pantry, served on the pastor’s board and the finance committee.
Jr. first and foremost loved God, his family and his church. He loved and respected the many friends he made through his life. With all of his medical problems and pain he incurred, he always had a smile on his face and when asked how he was feeling, his reply would always be, “I am wonderful,” or, “I’m great, how about you?”
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Geraldin “Jerrie” Jones Yates; sisters, Annie Mae Chavis and Linda Mabe and brothers, Earl Yates and Buddy Yates.
He is survived by his children, Deborah Yates Stewart (Roger) and Michael R. Yates; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8, 2021 at Richmond County Memorial Park. Face coverings are required and please keep social distancing in mind.
Condolences may be made online at www.carterfuneral.net.
Carter Funeral Home of Rockingham is assisting the Yates family.
