George Herman Yates Jr.'s Obituary
George Herman Yates, Jr. was born on January 13th in Newport, Rhode Island. He was the second child of George Herman Yates Sr., Elsie Victoria Tabb, and brother to Serena Douglas, Michael Yates, Elsie (Suzie) Goodrum, and David Yates.
George Loved Newport and especially his alma mater, Bryant University. To hear him tell it, the University forever changed once he graduated- and forget convincing him otherwise once he was inducted into the Hall of Fame! He was a huge sports fan and played basketball well into his 60’s.
After graduation, George took his fist job driving a truck in Rhode Island. His strong work ethic later propelled him into a career with Bristol Meyers and then Steelcase, where he spent 25 years between Philadelphia, New York, and Georgia.
George and I met at Steelcase.
George had a passion for music and a strong singing voice. Every Saturday morning, he faithfully listened to Youngblood’s “Spotlight Gold” radio program of R&B Classics from the 60’s and 70’s. He sang is heart out!
Most of all, George adored his family. He cherished his grandchildren Violet, Genevive, Malkam, and Pippen and delighted in teasing them with “the claw”- a very large hand attached to a usually giggling face! Following a visit, George would predict which sports each grandchild would succeed in. George excelled at math and kept us on our toes with frequent random pop quizzes.
George was an aspiring chef when not occupied by sports or music. Ask his sons about his “special” chili- or the macaroni and cheese that became a staple at every family celebration. George never divulged the details of this recipe, no matter how many times people asked. Eventually, we discovered the mac n’ cheese recipe was (ahem) borrowed from somewhere else! Nonetheless, we made a “g-aroni” recipe card for George. He also had a knack for giving directions, just ask him how to get somewhere, and he could tell you the exit number, mile marker, and best gas stations along the way. It was amazing!
We will miss you, George, for your big personality, witty sense of humor, love for sports and music,--and yes, we’ll even miss “the claw”!
George is survived by his wife Gwendolyn Yates (GG); his sons, Nicholas (Nicole) Yates, Brian (Erica) Yates, Jordan Yates, Landon Barrett, grandchildren; Violet Yates, Genevieve Yates, Malkam Yates, and Pippen Yates, sisters Serena Douglas, Elsie (Robert) Goodrum, brothers: Michael Yates and David Yates. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, and many close friends.
Funeral Services will be held Friday 1:00 PM at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home Chapel with Nicole Hodges officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation prior to the service Friday from 12:00-1:00 PM.
What’s your fondest memory of George?
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Share a story where George's kindness touched your heart.
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