ROY LEE YATES, 68 years of age of the Sunset Hollow section of Vansant, VA, went to be with the Lord Saturday, August 14, 2010 at Buchanan General Hospital following an extended illness.  Born in Buchanan County he was first born son of Floyd and Rosie Yates in Buchanan County, and was baptized on July 29, 2000 becoming a member of Coleman’s United Methodist Church.  He was also a member of the United Mine Workers of America.         

He was preceded in death by a brother Harold Dean Yates in August of 1944, and also by his father Floyd, who was killed in action during World War II. 

Survivors who morn his loss are his wife: Janet Strick Yates of Vansant, VA; Mother: Rosie Yates, Grundy, VA; 1-Brother:  Vern and wife Wanda Yates, Vansant, VA; 2-Sisters: Truby and husband Ronnie Dales, Grundy, VA, Ruby and husband Jack Rowe, Jamestown, NC; 6-Nephews: Anthony Yates, Jackie Yates, Chris Dales, Jason Rowe, Jason Mitchell, Joshua Dales;  and 1-Niece: Tammy Mitchem. 

Roy met Janet Stick at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center in 1969, where they were taking therapy and schooling.  This is where Roy learned the trade of upholstery.  Roy and Janet began an upholstery business in 1970 and were married on April 24, 1971.  Roy worked in the upholstery business, that most individuals thought was an impossible task for someone in a wheelchair to accomplish.  He loved his work and was successful at his work for twenty nine years, until it became physically impossible for him to do the work to his satisfaction.  His wife Janet, survives and mourns his death, but rejoices in the knowledge he is free of pain and resting peacefully in the arms of his Lord. 

Roy was a person who loved life and family, he was a devoted husband, son and brother.  He loved children and was happiest when he could be around them.  His wonderful sense of humor inspired and encouraged, all those who knew him. 

He will be missed not only by his family, but a host of friends.  It was a privilege and a blessing that the Lord allowed us to know him and keep him for these 68 years.  He will always have a special place in each of our hearts and be loved and missed until the day the Lord will allow us to be reunited. 

Each and everyone who knew and loved him needs to give thanks to the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for the warmth, for the caring, for the giving, for the sharing, for the encouraging, for the inspiring, for the joy, for the laughter, for the love and for every precious memory, the Lord gave us through this very, very special man, Roy Lee Yates.

             We will all miss you my love.
            Written by:
            His devoted wife, Janet
            And his loving sister, Ruby 

Funeral Services for ROY LEE YATES will be conducted Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at 1:00 P.M. at the Coleman United Methodist Church, Vansant, VA with Rev. Darrell Thacker officiating with burial following in Parrot Deel Cemetery on the Right Fork of Greenbrier, Vansant, VA.

Friends may call at the Coleman United Methodist Church, Vansant, VA on Monday evening, August 16, 2010 at 6:00 P.M. with services at 7:00 P.M. 

Active Pallbearers will be Ronnie Dales, Anthony Yates, Wayne Dale, Randy Ramey, Danny Childress, Jackie Rowe, Jason Mitchell, Cody Dales, and Rocky Dale.

 Honorary Pallbearers will be William Dale, Jackie Yates, Joshua Dales, Cecil Dale, Chris Dales, and Dr. J. P. Sutherland, Jr.

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

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