Robert Yates Obituary

Robert "Bob" Glenn Yates, Sr.

March 27, 1937 - June 29, 2025

Robert "Bob" Glenn Yates, Sr., 88, of Belews Creek, died on Sunday, June 29, 2025 at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice.

The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Colonial Funeral Home in Madison. A private burial will be held at a later date.

Mr. Yates was born on March 27, 1937 in Halifax, VA, to the late C.B. Yates and Hester Adele Dixon Yates. Born and raised on a tobacco farm, Bob's strong work ethic and determination led him to co-found Yates Construction Company with his brother, Douglas in January of 1976. Under his leadership, the company has thrived, becoming a testament to their commitment and vision forty-nine years later.

Bob was known for his unwavering dedication to his profession and his compassionate nature, always ensuring that those around him were well taken care of. He approached life with gratitude, acknowledging God's blessings in every aspect of his life. Living on Belews Lake, he found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially his cherished moments with his wife and best friend, Doreen and his longtime passion for quail hunting.

His legacy will live on through his contributions to the construction industry and the countless lives he touched with his generosity and kindness. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his daughter, Marguerite "Marri" Yates; brother, Douglas B. Yates and lifelong friend and mentor, John Christopher.

Survivors include his wife, Doreen Welch Yates; children, Robert G. Yates, Jr. (Marlene), Sabrina Craft, Dusty Wade Nester (Abbey) and Marti "Dane" W. Nester; grandchildren, Robert "Bobby" Yates, III (Brenna), James Benjamin Yates (Katelynn), Harper Mills Nester and Ryane Olivia Wade Nester; five great-grandchildren; special friend and like a son, Bret Arnold; mother-in-law, Doris Langlois Watson; sisters-in-law, Marie Yates and Donna Jaye Watson; brother-in-law, Loren Ward Watson and special bird dog, Sue.

Flowers are appreciated and any memorial contributions may be made to Trellis Supportive Care, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.

Colonial Funeral Home in Madison is serving the family.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.colonialfh.net.

Colonial Funeral Home & Chapel, Inc.

127 Ellisboro Road, Madison, NC 27025