Ralph Eugene Yates

        Ralph Eugene Yates, 97, of Lewisville, formerly of Millers Creek, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family and friends on March 2nd, 2025. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 6, 2025 at Lewisville Baptist Church Cemetery in Lewisville, NC, with services by Pastor Shannon Critcher. Ralph was born on December 24, 1927, in Ashe County to Leonard Paton Yates and Maude Allen Huffman. He was a Millers Creek Baptist Church member and later a member of Lewisville Baptist Church. He was a devout Christian and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

         As an avid fan of NASCAR and the Atlanta Braves, it wasn’t often that he’d miss a good race or game. He frequently hosted friends, family, and holiday get-togethers. No matter what, he wouldn’t miss a chance to visit the beach with his family. Few people had such a green thumb, growing anything from tomatoes and blackberries to squash and green beans. Ralph also enjoyed beekeeping. Countless hours were spent woodworking to build all kinds of furniture and model tractors.

         He was married to the love of his life, Clara, for 72 years. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Agnes Mae Yates, Annie Hazel Yates, Ruth Lucille Yates, and Courtney Yates, and brothers Ulysses Owen Yates, Lloyd Leonard Yates, Burrett Yates, Paul Yates, Jack Yates, William Bernard Yates, and one grandson, Steven Long. 

         He is survived by his children, Ronald Eugene Yates (Rosemary), Kathy White (David), and Vonda Riley (Dave); grandchildren Nicole Yates Miller (David), Zachary Riley, Noah Riley, Tamara Riley, Pamela Riley Thaxton (Matthew), Grey Long (Christina), Emily Long, and Michael Long; great-grandchildren, Gabreyelle Stevenson (Cole), Isabella Long, Cecilia Cross, Mallory Miller, Madison Miller, Riley Thaxton, Jacob Thaxton. Ralph Long, Lucille Long, George Long, and great-great-grandson Connor Stevenson. The family requests no flowers, but memorials may be made to Lewisville Baptist Church Cemetery Fund (P.O. Box 327, Lewisville, NC, 27023). 

         The family would like to thank the staff of Trellis Supportive Care of Winston-Salem, Pastor Shannon Critcher, and Hayworth Miller Lewisville Chapel for their care and compassion. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.