Elbert Hassel "Bert" Yates

Bert started his military career at the age of 15 by enlisting into the Army. At the age of 17, he enlisted into the Air Force, where he served his country for 21 years. He was stationed in Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines, as well as multiple Air Force bases in the U. S. He retired as a Senior Master Sergeant in 1970 at 36 years of age.

After living in Nashville, Tennessee, for six years, he moved his family to the Cedar Creek Community.

He then worked as the purchasing agent for Laughlin Memorial Hospital for 18 years. He retired from there at the age of 63.

Bert enjoyed playing golf with his LMH friends. He loved traveling in his RV with his family and two dogs. He attended Greenlawn Baptist Church until family illnesses prevented them from going.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years: Beatrice Humphreys Yates; daughter: Deborah Yates; two sons and daughter-in-law: Greg and Donna Yates and Brian Yates; three loving grandchildren: Elizabeth, Jackson, and Emily Yates; brother: Buck Yates; sister: Jill Nowlin; brothers-in-law and spouses: RB and Clara Humphreys and Ted and Vivian Humphreys; sister-in-law and special friend: Linda J. Humphreys; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

He was the son of the late Joseph and Laura Stump Yates and was preceded in death by his oldest daughter: Teresa “Teri” Yates; son-in-law: Joseph H. Roy; and two sisters: Geneva Cable and Virginia Boyd.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of 4 West at Laughlin Memorial Hospital and Dr. Patel for their kindness during his time at Laughlin Memorial Hospital.

The family will receive friends from 4pm-7pm Saturday at Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home.

Following visitation, the funeral service will be held at 7:00 pm in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Nathan Leasure officiating.

Interment will be at 2:00 pm Sunday in GreeneLawn Memory Gardens. The Greeneville-Greene County Honor Guard and the U. S. Air Force will conduct a military graveside service. Family and friends are asked to meet at 1:15 PM Sunday at the funeral home to go in procession to the cemetery for the military graveside service.

Pallbearers will be Brad Humphreys, Danny Humphreys, Chuck Humphreys, Chris Cressy, Gene Collins, Joe Boyd, Stanley Oliver, and David Oliver.

Honorary pallbearers are Dwayne Collins, Robbie Collins, D. J. Nowlin, Gary Vine, Jakie Keasling, Tommy Carroll, and Jack Wilson.