"I can imagine no more rewarding a career. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: 'I served in the United States Navy.'" - John F. Kennedy
On Monday October 3rd, 2016, the family and friends of Herbert Henry Yates bid farewell to just such a man, whose sense of honor and duty was shaped by his 21 years of service in the United States Navy. The influence on Herb of his career in the Navy was evident in the seriousness of his commitments to his family, his friends and to his country. His strong character and natural abilities as a leader enabled him to rise to the rank of Chief Petty Officer and the leadership experience that he gained through his service would continue to benefit him for the remainder of his life.
Herbert Henry Yates was born on October 13, 1929 in Gallant, Alabama and grew up in the surrounding Etowah County area. He enlisted in the United States Navy on February 5th, 1952. It was during this first term of service in the Navy, that Herb served on board the U.S.S. Mispillion (AO-105).
While stationed in Washington D.C. in the mid-1950's Herb met the love of his life, Shirley Ann McCall, a civilian employee of the federal government's Office of Management and Budget. The couple was married on July 5th, 1957 and spent the next 55 years of their lives together as husband and wife until Shirley's death in May of 2012.
In 1964, while Herb was stationed aboard ship out of Norfolk, Virginia, he and Shirley adopted a beautiful baby girl and named her Donna Ann. Herb once called his daughter "the greatest joy of my life" and it was she who was the source of his strength after Shirley's death and who cared for him through his final days.
Between 1957 and 1973, Herb served in serveral different naval commands including the U.S. Naval Support Activity, London, England and the Office of Naval Attache, American Embassy, Copenhagen, Denmark where he served after completing Naval Attache Disbursing School and during which time he achieved the rank of DKC (DISBURSING CLERK CHIEF PETTY OFFICER). His final assignment was to the U.S. Navy Recruiting Station in Montgomery, Alabama where he retired from service in 1973.
While in the Navy, Herb earned numerous medals and commendations including the Korean Service medal, the China Service medal, the United Nations Service medal, two National Defense Service medals and four Good Conduct awards.
After retiring from the Navy, Herb worked as a construction foreman for McBrier Construction, retiring from that position in 1991. In 1996, he and Shirley moved to Eagle Point in Shelby County where he enjoyed travelling, playing golf and working as a marshall at several golf courses in the surrounding area, including Eagle Point.
Herb is survived by his daughter Donna Reynolds (Greg), grandchildren Andrew (Danielle) and Rachel Reynolds and sisters, Edith Pritchett, Jan Roland and Shelby Lowe. He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, his parents Florence and Tillman Yates and siblings Inez Powell, Ola Payne, Loyal Yates, Tommie McGinnis, Ruth Garren and Ted Yates.
Given that Herb generously supported many worthy charities, the family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to a charity of your choice.
Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 am, with a memorial service from 11:00 to 11:30 am Friday October 21st at Kilgroe Funeral Home in Leeds, Alabama.
Interment will follow at 1:00 pm at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama.
Visit online at www.kilgroefuneralhome.com
Kilgroe Funeral Home, Leeds directing.
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