Yates Wesley White

Born and raised in South Hill, Virginia to his parents, Alvin and Nannie (Tuck) White and siblings, Clarence, Ashby, Sterling, Samuel, Alvin Jr., Goldie, Nancy, and Norma Lee. From an early age he learned the value of hard work on the family farm.

Yates joined the U.S. Air Force in 1955. During his twenty years in service, his career took him, his (now former) wife Teresa and two children Charles and Michele around the world, including assignments in Germany, England, Scotland, Turkey, Alaska, and Japan. He was deployed to the War in Vietnam where he endured many hardships in aerial flight serving our country in honor and courage. Yates was proudly awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his act of heroism in saving an encampment of U.S. soldiers from enemy resistance.

After retiring from the military in 1975 he found his new career in automotive sales. He was highly successful and opened his own dealership where he purchased and sold vehicles for many years. Yates was a master negotiator and was known by his colleagues for always striking the right deal.

Yates was never happier than when he hosted his family and friends around the dinner table for a huge feast. On weekends and holidays, you could find him in front of the grill, smoking brisket and ribs, enough to feed an army. Those close to him had the privilege of experiencing his generosity, lively personality, and the best pot of beans.

Yates was also a passionate hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed fishing trips with his nephew and would cook and share all the fish they caught. He lived for deer season in south Texas and enjoyed many years hunting on the Jagge Ranch with his close friends. He had many trophies and supplied his family with lots of venison.

Yates had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel to Europe, living in the Czech Republic and the U.S. at different times. While living in Czech, Yates taught English to executives at a local mining company, toured the countryside and spent time with friends at local establishments throughout town. He loved the weather in Czech and prided himself on having a luscious garden, always sharing pictures of what he had grown and of his mushroom hunt findings in the local forests. He loved the country's history and art and gifted many handmade pieces of fine porcelain and crystal to others. He will forever be remembered for his love of family and friends and will truly be missed by so many people.

Yates was predeceased by his parents Alvin and Nannie White, brothers Clarence, Ashby, and Samuel and sisters Goldie Carey, Norma Lee Spence, and stepson Charles Davenport.

He is survived by his sister Nancy Simmons, brothers Alvin and Sterling White, daughter Michele (White) Marcinik, husband Mark, grandson Michael-John, wife Erica, and great grandchildren Kage and Hunter, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He held a very special place in his heart for his dog Maxi, who has now joined his daughter Michele and son in law Mark's home for the rest of her years.

The family would like to thank the staff at Windemere Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and the doctors and nursing staff at Christus Santa Rosa Westover ICU for their care and compassion.

Services with full military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 25, 2023 at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, shelter #4. Friends are invited to join the family afterwards at Viola’s Ventanas, 9660 Westover Hills Blvd, 78251, for lunch and margaritas.

In honor of Yates and his love for nature and gardening, the family asks that in lieu of flowers you consider making a donation in his name to the National Arbor Society.

GRAVESIDEAUGUST 25, 202310:00 AMAUGUST 25, 2023FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERYSHELTER #41520 HARRY WURZBACHSAN ANTONIO, TX 78209