Arlin Ray Yates, 85, a resident of Cleveland, formerly of McMinn County, passed away at his home in Cleveland on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, surrounded by his loving family. He was of the Baptist faith. He was an avid C.B. home operator and also loved boating and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Blanche Aleen Whalen Yates; parents, Willie and Dessie King Yates; and stepson, Donald Sloop.

His survivors include his three children, David Yates and wife Deborah of Cleveland, Rebecca Yates Barnett of Riceville and Darrell Yates and wife Elaine, of Cleveland; four grandchildren, Matthew, Valynn and Erica Yates of Cleveland, and Sam Barnett of Knoxville; six sisters, Louise Self, Reba Murr, Shirley Dugan, Evelyn Tilson, Katherine Durham and Joyce Alexander; three brothers, William Yates, Earl Yates and James (Jimmy) Yates; three stepdaughters, Barbara McClary, Ruth Ann Gregory and Beverly Debuty; numerous step grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and also several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service was held 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012 at Sunset Memorial Gardens with Reverend Ralph Swafford officiating. Serving as pallbearers were Matthew Yates, Sam Barnett, Gary Gregory, William Yates, Jimmy Yates and Earl Yates. The service concluded with a white dove release ceremony.

His family received friends 5-7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24, 2012 at Ralph Buckner Funeral Home.
You are invited to send a message of condolence and view the Yates family guestbook at www.ralph
buckner.com.