A J Yates, Jr.

Our AJ slipped away on Wednesday, August 3, 2016, to play guitar with the blues men that he admired. He will be remembered for his care free spirit. He was many things, generous, kind, smart and lived life to the fullest.

AJ was born in Malvern, AR, on January 17, 1939. He enlisted in the United States Air Force where he retired in 1968, as a Tech Sergeant. Following his military service, he earned a Master's degree in Psychology. He was dedicated to helping blinded veterans like himself and was assistant director of the Western Blind Rehab Center at the VA Hospital in Palo Alto, CA, from 1980 to 1987. He was also president of the Central California Regional Group for over ten years.

AJ will be remembered for his cutthroat dominoes skill, Kahlua and coffee, droopy jeans and suspenders. He loved the Rolling Stones, spending time in Pismo, CA, falling asleep to blues, watching basketball and playing his electric guitars. He will be missed!

He is survived by Corie, his loving wife of 36 years; sisters, Sue and Lynn Davis; daughters and spouses, Christine and Brad Anderson, Victoria Keller, Laurie and Vince Hoke, and Sandy and Spencer Hale, a truly blended family; five beautiful grandchildren and spouses; two great-grandsons; and many dear friends.

A Memorial and Military Service will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Friday, August 19, 2016, at 12:00 noon.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Blinded Veterans Association, 125 N. West Street, 3rd floor, Alexandria, VA 22314, or BVA.org.