FRANKLIN - Robert Gordon Yates, 81, of Franklin, went home to be with Jesus on Monday, Sept. 6, 2021.
Mr. Yates was born in Louisville, Kentucky, the son of the late Robert Lee and Emma Buchs Yates. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey Martin Yates in 2009, and a sister, Bertha Riley.
While serving in the United States Marine Corp, Bob was a security guard in Tehran, Iran. He retired from Bristol Myers in medical sales. He was a very active member of Franklin Truth Church and the Republican party. Bob was also a member of Sons of the American Revolution, Silas McDowell Chapter of Franklin.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Linda Hays Yates; daughter, Laura Foster of Mineral Bluff, Georgia; sons, Chris Yates of Springhill, Tennessee, and Billy Yates of Fernandina Beach, Florida; sisters, Barbara L. Johnson of Brewster, New York, Patricia Yates of Inman, South Carolina, and Suzanne Yates of Watauga, Texas; 10 grandchildren, one great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. followed by a celebration of life at the Franklin Truth Church. Rev. Burtt Johnson will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Center or Franklin Truth Church
Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com. Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.