Maurice "Pete" Jennings Yates

Maurice Jennings Yates, known lovingly as “Pete” age 60 of Fleetwood passed away Friday, May 25, 2018.

Pete was a fixture in the West Jefferson, Fleetwood and Deep Gap communities. A trusted friend and a wealth of knowledge, he was always ready to lend a hand or donate to a genuine need.

He was a graduate of Beaver Creek High School and N.C. State University.

Pete spent years building successful businesses; Yates Electric Construction Inc, and Cranberry Woodworks/Carolina Leather partnered with his long-time friend Gene Greene. Most recently he was involved with the construction of Highway 221 and loved being the “Answer Man” for everyone with a question regarding their property values, their intersections, or any other of the hundreds of “do you know questions.” He kept us all entertained and informed on Facebook…and Ashe in the Know. He had served as a representative for the American Red Cross for Ash County and served as President of the West Jefferson Lions Club twice. He was currently active in their ongoing projects. He was a member at West Jefferson United Methodist Church.

Surviving are his mother, Anita Yates, sister, Gwynita Steele and husband Harry, sister, Rozanna Bolac and husband Greg all of West Jefferson. He leaves behind nieces and nephews that he thought the world of and friends everywhere he went.

Funeral services will be held at the West Jefferson United Methodist Church, Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 3:00 pm with Rev. Dan Gaddy officiating, burial will follow in the Yates Family Cemetery in Brownwood, N.C.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 o’clock, and a reception will follow the service in Hensley Hall.

Never short of a story or a joke, he made all who knew him laugh and welcome seeing him.

Rather than flowers memorials may be made to West Jefferson United Methodist Church, PO Box 826, West Jefferson, NC 28694 or a charity of the donor’s choice.