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Arlin Ray Yates

Arlin Ray Yates

Sept. 22, 2012

Arlin Ray Yates, 85, of Cleveland, and formerly of McMinn County, died Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, at his home, 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; his parents, Willie and Dessie King Yates; and one stepson, Donald Sloop.

Survivors include three children, David Yates and his wife, Deborah, of Cleveland, Rebecca Yates Barnett of Riceville, and Darrell Yates and his wife, Elaine, of Cleveland; four grandchildren, Matthew, Valynn and Erica Yates, all 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 several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Sunset Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Ralph Swafford officiating.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Yates, Sam Barnett, Gary Gregory, William Yates, Jimmy Yates and Earl Yates. The service will conclude with a white dove release ceremony.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Ralph Buckner Funeral Home.

Send a message of condolence and view the Yates family guest book at www.ralphbuckner.com

Ralph Buckner Funeral Home of Cleveland is in charge of arrangements.