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.

Mr. Yates was a well driller and the owner of Yates and Sons Well Drilling until 1974, and retired in 2000 at the age of 73 from Robinson Building Supply in Cleveland. He was of the Baptist faith. He was an avid CB home operator, and he 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 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 Durman 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 the Rev. 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.