Ronald Herman Yates, 87, a lifelong resident of Lexington, NC, passed away on Thursday, December 16, 2021, at his home.

Ronald was born on July 12,1934 to Willie Herman Yates and Mattie Lee Campbell Yates.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jimmy Yates and Robert Yates; a granddaughter, Dedra Jo Clark; a great-granddaughter, Lillie Mae Price; and by his very close friend, Gray “Pup” Koonts.

Ronald retired from Ronald Yates Construction where he was a self-employed brick mason. He attended Community Church in Lexington. He was an avid fisherman, both saltwater and freshwater. He loved fishing trips with friends and family to the North Carolina coast but was just as content wetting a hook to catch a big catfish from the pier in his backyard on High Rock Lake.

In his later years, Ronald was a fixture at several local cafes for breakfast in the morning or an afternoon cup of coffee with his buddies. He could also be found regularly at “the shop” with his friends, sometimes repairing lawn mowers and sometimes just hanging out. Every year, around Christmas, Ronald and his friends would collect money to purchase bicycles for children in need.

Ronald is survived by his beloved wife, Cheri McMasters Yates; three sons, Eddie Yates (Belinda) of Lexington, Jimmy Miller (Wendy) of Lexington and David Miller (Amber) of Archdale; three daughters, Susan Wright (Robert), Tina Yates, and Phyllis Sheehan (Bob), all of Lexington. He was a very proud grandfather to Sam Yates (Karen), Allyson Clark, Emily Everhart (Amad Cleveland), Amber Price (Ryan), Wesley Grimsley (Courtney), Ashley Cobb,
Christopher Cobb, Philip Jones, Grace Sheehan, Cassie Miller, Kayla Miller, Kamryn McGehee, and Ayden Miller, as well as to fourteen great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, January 2, 2021 at Community Church, 22 South Talbert Boulevard, Lexington, with Eric Disher officiating. The family will receive friends immediately prior to the service. Family and friends are also invited to a gathering at the Yates home following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be directed to Hospice of Davidson County, 200 Hospice Way, Lexington, NC 27292 or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate.

Carolina Cremation is assisting the Yates family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.