Harrell “Yogi” Ross Yates

DURHAM- Mr. Harrell “Yogi” Yates TSGT USAF (Retired), 85, passed away Friday, August 31, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family.Mr. Yates was born February 17, 1933 to the late James and Effie Yates, Sr. in Durham, NC. Mr. Yates proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and Vietnam War. He retired from the United States Air Force after 20 years of service. Mr. Yates worked with GTE/Verizon for 27 years where he retired. He loved farming, motorcycle racing with Yates Racing and being a mechanic. Mr. Yates will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.Mr. Yates is preceded in death by his son, Timothy Harrell Yates; parents James and Effie Yates, Sr.; brothers, James Connie Yates, Jr., Ralph Preston Yates, William Clyde Yates; sister, Mary Elizabeth Jordan.Mr. Yates is survived by his wife, Joyce Ray Yates of 66 years of marriage; sons, Michael Ray Yates (Rose), Robert William Yates, Sr., Wester Gene Yates; daughters, Pamela Ross Yates, Sherri Yates McClenny, Theresa Carol Yates; brother, Thurston Yates (Donna); sister, Martha Wall; grandchildren, Valerie Thornton, Julie Thornton, Richard McClenny, Christopher McClenny, Michael McClenny, Kim Yates, Joshua Yates, Amy Yates, Robert Yates, Sharon Yates, Brandon Yates, Dixie Yates and Charlotte Bartee; great-grandchildren, Vanessa Wilson, Morgan McClenny, Keira McClenny, Rion McClenny, Kara Yates, Jessica Yates, Matthew Yates, Jonny Yates, Isabella Yates, Max Yates, Brooklyn Yates, Kristah Van Horn and Gavotte Lompert.A visitation will be held Tuesday, September 4, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hudson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at Oak Grove Free Will Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Ray Smith. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park.Flowers are acceptable or memorial contributions can be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601. Online condolences can be made at www.hudsonfuneralhome.com

A Video Memorial Tribute by Hudson Funeral Home