LONNIE JOSH YATES, 59 years of age of the Deskins Area of Vansant, VA, passed away Saturday, April 30, 2011 at the Heritage Hall Nursing Home, Grundy, VA, following an extended illness. Born in Buchanan County, he was the son of the late Milton and Stella Faye Yates. He was a lifelong resident of Buchanan County and was of the Holiness Faith. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, friend and was a retired Coal Miner.

Mr. Yates was preceded in death by his father and mother, Milton and Stella Faye Yates.

He is survived by 1-Daughter: Teresa Howard and husband Chuck, Vansant, VA, 1-Son: Joshua Stiltner, Vansant, VA, 2-Grandchildren: Shane Boyd, Harlan, KY, Shelby Yates, Vansant, VA, 3-Sisters: Peggy Justice and husband Jimmy, Grundy, VA, Jean Deel, Grundy, VA, Nina Jackson, Vansant, VA, 2-Brothers: Floyd Yates and wife Loretta, Vansant, VA, Lloyd Yates and wife Fayetta, Vansant, VA, 1-Uncle: Elmer Osborne, Vansant, VA

Also, survived by several nieces and nephews, and special friends: Carl Jean & Kathy Edwards, Chad Coleman.

He was preceded in death by 1-Son, 1-Daughter, 2-Sisters: Linda Price and Sadie Marie Clevinger, 1-Brother: Johnny Yates, Sr.,  and 1-Nephew: Johnny Yates, Jr.

Funeral Services for LONNIE JOSH YATES will be conducted Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at 1:00 P.m. at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel with Ministers: Bobby Stanley, Sheila Stanley and Dean Powers officiating with burial to follow in the Dry Fork Cemetery, Vansant, VA.

Friends may call at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel Monday evening at 6:00 P.M. with services Monday and Tuesday evenings at 7:00 P.M.

Active Pallbearers will be Joe Yates, Chad Coleman, Jim Yates, Brian Keen, Eric Keen and Keith Estep.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Chuck Howard, Ron Helton, Dr. H. Patel, Staff of Heritage Hall Nursing Home and Buchanan General Hospital.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.grundyfuneralhome.com

Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy, Virginia is in charge of all arrangements.