Robert Lee Yates, 97, of Franklin, NC, died Sunday, January 8, 2006.

Born in Chattanooga, TN on June 12, 1908, he was the son of the late John Gordon Yates of Camilla, GA., and Stella Osment Yates of Chattanooga, TN. In addition to his parents, Mr. Yates was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Emma Buchs Yates and a daughter, Bertha Riley, of Jacksonville, FL.

Mr. Yates graduated from Louisville Male High School. While there he took training in the United States Officers Training Corp. where he attained the rank of Major. He worked for McKesson Robbins Wholesale Drug Co., and Walgreen's Drug Co., as Manager and Supervisor for 20 years before joining Colgate Palmolive Company. While at Colgate he was transferred to Florida as Account Executive to Food Chains and Drug Companies in states all over the south as far west as La Fayette, LA. After retiring from Colgate he moved to Franklin where he obtained his Real Estate license and worked in Real Estate sales for 18 years. Mr. Yates was an avid golfer and was a member of the Pasadena Golf Club where he won several tournaments in his age class.

Mr. Yates was a member of Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church

He is survived by four children, Barbara L. Johnson and her husband Joe of Franklin, Robert G. Yates and wife Linda of Zephyrhills, FL., Suzanne Yates of Largo, FL., and Patricia Yates of Duncan, SC. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, January 16th, 11 a.m., at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Father Matthew Kauth will officiate. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery next to his wife Emma and Daughter, Bertha.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences available @www.maconfuneralhome.com