It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of the patriarch of the Yates family and a beloved member of the Wilson County community, Mr. Howard Preston Yates, whom passed away on Wednesday, October 30th, 2024 at the age of 100 years old.
Howard Preston Yates was born unto the union of the late Burton and Willie Belle Yates in Springfield, Tennessee on Friday, October 10th, 1924.
The World War II veteran joined the United States Navy in 1943 when he was just 18 years old. Serving four years as an aviation ordnanceman, Mr. Yates traveled aboard the U.S.S. Chenango that took part in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, which is considered to be the largest battle in naval history. The ship was awarded seven battle stars while Howard and his fellow naval friends were honored with the victory medal for the liberation of the Philippines. Mr. Yates was also awarded a medal for heroism.
After his time serving our country, Howard worked for DuPont, Avco Aviation, and Boeing, inventing products that would change the world of aviation forever. A proud Cherokee descendant, Mr. Yates relished in sharing family stories with everyone. He always had a trick to share or a puzzle to challenge your thinking. His laugh was infectious because he was one of those people that laughed with his entire body, guaranteeing to make anyone smile.
His sweet smile and kind demeanor will live on in the hearts of those who he cherished deeply but we find peace in knowing he is reunited with his loving wife of 60 years.
The Graveside Service with Military Honors, conducted by Bro. Billie Friel, was held at Mt. Juliet Memorial Gardens on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. with family members serving as pallbearers. The family received friends on Saturday, November 2nd at Sellars Funeral Home at Mt. Juliet from 10:00 a.m. until the graveside service at 12:00 p.m.
He is survived by children, Robert P. (Vicki) Yates, Darlene (Stephen) Pirtle, Sandra Louise Quinn, and Cheryl Marie (Don) Goolsby; grandchildren, Robby Yates, David Wayne (Cara) Yates, Shannon M. (Brian) Monticello, Karissa R. Yates, Tonia Michelle (Justin) Mueller, Brandon Pirtle, Marc (Mindy) Quinn, Debra (Joel) Quinn, Jimmy Ledbetter, Diana Jones, Jamie (Matt) Grace, and Kristy (Sly) Payton; 12 great-grandchildren also survive.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by wife, Kathleen Yates; and grandson, Jeff Quinn.
Arrangements by Sellars Funeral Home at Mt. Juliet, 2229 N. Mt. Juliet Road, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122, 615-758-5459, obituary line 615-758-8818, www.sellarsfuneralservices.com
For more obituaries visit https://wilsoncountysource.com/obituaries/
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