James Alvin Yates, 94 - Travelers Rest

James Alvin “Jim” Yates, 94, of Travelers Rest, SC, passed away on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at Mountain Health & Rehab in Hendersonville, NC.

Born in Pickens County, he was a son of the late John Davis and Lillie Ophelia Reeves Yates. Mr. Yates was retired from the Renfrew Bleachery Finishing Department, where he was a Range Operator; he was the former Custodian at Enoree Baptist Church; he was a member of the Cooper Masonic Lodge #282 for over 50 years and he was a member of Enoree Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and was a member of the Claude Langley Sunday School Class.

Surviving is his wife of 65 years, Ella Virginia Black Yates; a daughter, Karon Y. Alexander and her husband Steve; a sister, Ophelia Buchanan and 3 grandchildren, Jared Alexander, John Alexander and Jenny Alexander.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by 8 brothers, Furman, Carl, Elmer, Eddie, Hoyt, Willie, Ivy and J.C. Yates and 2 sisters, Edna Browning and Opal Rowland.

Funeral services will be held at 2 o’clock Friday afternoon at Enoree Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1 until 2:00 PM at the church prior to the service.

The family will be at the home of his daughter, Karon Alexander.

The Howze Mortuary, Travelers Rest is in charge of arrangements.