SHELBY- Yates Hawkins, 96, died, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015, at Hospice at Wendover. A native of Cleveland County, he was born January 14, 1919, to the late Guy Otho and Arrie Blanton Hawkins. Yates was a lifelong farmer, and a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was the oldest man, and a lifelong member of Sharon United Methodist Church, where he was a member of the Administrative Council, Men's Bible Class, Christian Fellowship and United Methodist Men. He was a WWII veteran of the European Theatre, and the only living charter member of Shanghai Volunteer Fire Department. In 1948, he was presented an award on The Grand Stand at the Cleveland County Fair, for the most improved farm and house, in the Better Acres Contest. Yates loved his church family, loved spending time with his family, and had a love for serving others.

PRECEDED: In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, John and Norman Hawkins, and sisters, Margaret Hawkins and Gladys Kahl.

SURVIVED: He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Ruth Weathers Hawkins, of the home; daughter, Rita Harris and husband Kenny; son, Gary Hawkins, sister-in-law, Lola Humphries, all of Shelby; grandchildren, Stephanie Ashe and husband Tyler, Laura McCraw and husband Jerry, Andrea Williams and husband Matt; and great-grandchildren, Garrison and Preston Ashe, Kaitlyn, Mallory, and Morgan McCraw, Ava, Olivia, Gavin and Luke Williams. The family would like to thank Dr. Mike Ribadeneyra, and the staff of Shelby Medical Associates for all the excellent care for many years.

FUNERAL SERVICES: Funeral services will be held Thursday, 11a.m., at Sharon United Methodist Church

VISITATION: The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, in the fellowship hall of the church.

BURIAL: Will follow in the church cemetery

CLERGY: Rev. April B. Abernethy

MEMORIALS: Sharon United Methodist Church, 871 College Ave., Shelby, NC 28152 or Shanghai Volunteer Fire Department, 1435 Burke Rd., Shelby, NC 28152 or Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Dr., Shelby, NC 28150

FUNERAL HOME: Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby

ONLINE CONDOLENCES: www.claybarnette.com