Mr. Gwyn Yates

Rufus Gwyn Yates of West Jefferson, NC died Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. Mr. Yates, age 90, was born September 16, 1923 in Ashe County to Conrad and Annie Hendricks Yates. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Conrad Yates Jr. and William Scott Yates.

Mr. Yates was very civic-minded. He served on the West Jefferson Town Board of Alderman and the West Jefferson Fire Department for over 20 years, where he once served as Fire Chief. Gwyn Yates was also the oldest member of the West Jefferson Lions Club, serving for nearly 60 years. He called West Jefferson United Methodist his church home and chaired many leadership committees. He was one of the last remaining members of the Greatest Generation, having served in the US Navy in WWII on a Destroyer Escort ship in the Atlantic. He and his wife, Anita, successfully owned and operated Yates Electric and Furniture Company for 42 years.

Mr. Yates is survived by his wife Anita Weaver Yates, daughter Gwynita Steele and husband Harry of Jefferson, daughter Rozanna Bolac and husband Greg of West Jefferson, and son Pete Yates of Fleetwood. Also surviving are six grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Memorials can be made in his honor to the West Jefferson United Methodist Church Building Fund, PO Box 826, West Jefferson, NC 28694.

Words of comfort and remembrance may be viewed or sent to the family at www.badgerfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 19, 2014 at 3:00 pm at West Jefferson United Methodist Church by Reverend Dr. Perry Miller. Burial will follow in the Yates Family Cemetery. Yates Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Saturday, July 19, 2014 at Hensley Hall, West United Methodist Church. Badger Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

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