Arlin Ray Yates

Arlin Ray Yates, 85, a resident of Cleveland, formerly of McMinn County, passed away at his son?s residence on Saturday, September 22, 2012. 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. 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, 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 will be held Tuesday, September 25, 2012, at 1:00 p.m., at Sunset Memorial Gardens with Reverend Ralph Swafford officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Matthew Yates, Gary Gregory, Sam Barnett, William Yates, Jimmy Yates, and Earl Yates. The service will conclude with a white dove release ceremony. His family will receive friends on Monday, September 24, 2012, from 5:00 ? 7:00 p.m. at Ralph Buckner Funeral Home. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Yates family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.