Gerald, affectionately known as “Don” by his family and friends, was the son of Martha Louise Vincent Yates and Nolan Edward Yates. He was born in his grandmother’s house in Pilot Oak, Kentucky. He graduated from Wingo High School, attended Freed-Hardeman and subsequently graduated from Murray State College, earning a degree in mathematics.
Don was drafted into the Army during the Korean War, serving in security intelligence on St. Lawrence Island in Alaska for two years until he was honorably discharged in 1956. Don worked in sales and sales management with IBM for many years before retiring in 1987. In his retirement, he worked briefly for Harding University, teaching and working with the Walton Foundation.
Don was a dedicated member of the Westside church of Christ and served as an elder for many years.
Don was a loyal supporter of Harding University, serving on the President’s Council for many years. He also was an avid fan of the Harding Bison football team.
Don’s favorite pastime was hunting, particularly duck hunting. He also enjoyed cooking, woodworking, singing and telling stories. Don was a talented singer and storyteller. He led singing at church and was known for his storytelling, a talent that brought joy to those around him.
Remaining to cherish Don’s memory are his spouse, Doris Davidson Yates; his daughter, Jan (David) Cramblett; his stepchildren Krista (Charles) Underwood, Kathie Ashby, Andy (Joey) Davidson, and Rudy (Dekoka) Davidson; grandchildren Erin (Erik) Johnson, Elizabeth (Brock) Williams, and Michael Cramblett; step-grandchildren Kacy Underwood (Kelly) Barden, Lindsey Underwood (Matt) Sexton, Cody (Kristin) Ashby, Drew (Kambri) Davidson, Riley Davidson (Kyle) Cromer, Andrea Davidson (Joel) Baxter, and Kelly (Brooke) Davidson.
Great-grandchildren are Evelyn Johnson, Baker Johnson, Stone Williams, Elsie Williams, Tripp Williams. Step-great-grandchildren are Kennedy Barden, Kassidy Barden, Charlie Sexton, Eli Ashby, Jack Davidson, Rudy Parks Davidson, Noble Davidson, and Lyla Davidson.
Don’s siblings include sisters, Charlotte (Danny) Bruce and Joyce (Claude) Wagner, and his brother Mike (Sharon) Yates. Nieces and nephews include Lindy Curry, Christy (Tim) Williams, Dylan Woodruff, Vincent (Alia) Wagner, Meagan (Sky) Hill, Lauren (Andrew) Grimes and other nieces and nephews, along with other extended family members.
Preceding him in death are Don’s first wife, Elsie Mae Griggs, and his son, Timothy Edward Yates.
A graveside service is scheduled for 2:00 PM Saturday, November 2, 2024 at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Pilot Oak, KY. No local visitation is scheduled. Friends are invited to meet at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Westside Church of Christ or African Christian Hospitals Fund. Byrn Funeral Home in Mayfield, KY is in charge of local arrangements.