Harold Preston "Pres" Yates, Sr.

Bristol, VA – Harold Preston “Pres” Yates, Sr., age 79, passed on Monday, December 24, 2018.  Pres was born and lived most of his life in Grundy, VA before relocating to Bristol 20 years ago.  He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran and was a truck driver for United Coal Company for 28 years, and Walmart for 20 years from which he retired.  Pres is preceded in death by his parents, William Kermit and Leah Yates; and brother, George Yates. He is surivived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Ann Shortridge Yates; two sons, Kenny Yates and wife Sandy of Pensacola, FL and Howie Yates of Bristol, VA; three brothers, Darrell Yates and wife Kitti of Myrtle Beach, SC, Chuck Keene and wife Susie of Grundy, VA, and John Keene and wife Angie of Charlotte, NC; sister, Pauline Hagy and husband Mike of Grundy, VA; and several nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, December 29, 2018, in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Scotty Branson officiating.  Military rites will be conducted by Highlands Veterans Honor Guard.   Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register. The family of Harold Preston “Pres” Yates, Sr. is being cared for by Farris Cremation & Funeral Center, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.