James “Sawdust” Yates, 81, of Doyle, passed away Jan. 22, 2023, at his residence, in Doyle.
James was born Oct. 21, 1941, in Doyle. He was the son of George Elex Yates and Ethel Adair Yates.
He was a member of Doyle Volunteer Fire Department and served as a Doyle alderman for many years. He had been a semi-truck driver and was the owner and operator of Yates & Son Pallet Mill. James loved traveling around the country and meeting people. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.
James was preceded in death by his wife, Lula Teeples Yates, and a brother, George Thomas Yates.
Survivors include his daughter, Rhonda (Terry) Robinson, of Sparta; son, Randy Yates, of Doyle; grandsons, Derrick (Kathleen) Yates,
Jared (Breanna) Davis, Jordan Davis; granddaughter, Chelsea Nash; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Linda (Billy) Dodson, of Doyle, Kathy (Kenneth) Simmons, of Doyle; and several nieces, friends, and neighbors.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m., Jan. 26, 2023, at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, with burial in Mt. Gilead Cemetery. Bro. Paul Williams will officiate. The family will receive friends 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Jan. 26, at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Derrick Yates, Jared Davis, Jordan Davis, Billy Dodson, Donny Haley, and Ben Sparkman.
Oak Lawn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
