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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 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 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 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 several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services were 1 p.m. Tuesday at Sunset Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Ralph Swafford officiating. The service will conclude with a white dove release ceremony.

Pallbearers were Matthew Yates, Sam Barnett, Gary Gregory, William Yates, Jimmy Yates and Earl Yates.

The family received 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.