Buford L. Yates' Obituary
Buford Yates, 93, of Chattanooga, passed away Saturday, May 25, 2024. Buford L. Yates was born on November 24, 1930, in Lawrence County, Alabama, to the late Anthony Yates and Ella Goode. He was lovingly raised by Ollie Yates. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and was a member of Greater Tucker Missionary Baptist Church. Buford was married to the love of his life, Jean Knox Yates. For more than 50 years they shared a special relationship. At home and at work, Buford was neat, meticulous, and resourceful. He was a loyal employee of Dixie Yarn for 25 years. In addition to his parents, Buford was preceded in death by his sister, Annie Lee Garner; brother, Oakley June Yates; daughter, Seymore Smith; son, Mitchell White and grandson, Derrick Smith. Buford leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife, Jean Yates; great-grandson, Antavious Wallace; beloved niece and neighbor, Mary Watkins; sisters-in-law, Ida Mae Thomas, Geraldine Lewis, and Reava Davis; brothers-in-law, Lester Knox and Allen Knox; special older cousin, Willie Ed Moore; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. He will lie-in-state on Sunday, June 2, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at Greater Tucker Missionary Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Gary Hathaway as the eulogist. Burial on Monday, June 3, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in Lakewood Memory Gardens, East.
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