RUSH JENNINGS YATES, 82 years of age of Vansant, VA, passed away Thursday, March 7, 2013 at the Wellmont-Bristol Regional Hospice House, Bristol, TN, following an extended illness. Born in Buchanan County, he was the son of the late James Robert and Maye Nichols Yates. Rush was a retired coal miner and tipple operator for Jewell Smokeless Corp. having worked for 24-years. He was a lifelong resident of Buchanan County and a member of Victory Baptist Church which he really loved and was an important part of his life.

Rush was a Corporal in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1951-1953 where he received: Good Conduct Medal, United Nations Service Medal and Three Bronze Stars. He was a lifetime member of John Ratliff Post No. 164 of the American Legion and Childs Gentry Post No. 7360 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was part of the VFW’s Color Guard where he paid his respect to his fallen brothers. Rush loved this great nation and the freedom we enjoy and the flag of our country. He was owner/operator of Cope Food Pantry on Russell Prater, started in 1998, where he served hundreds of people. He lived his life through service to others.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 3-Sisters: Hettie Coleman, Julia Hagy and Mary Looney; and 6-Brothers: Sidney, John, Lee, Paul, Dewey and Robert Yates.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 51-years, Geraldine “Geri” Yates, Vansant, VA, 1-Daughter: Rita Yates (Larry) Long, Hayesville, NC, 1-Grandson: Jason (Cassandra) Long, Hayesville, NC, 1-Granddaughter: Nikki (Nathen) Adams, Hayesville, NC, 1-Sister: Myrtle (Trinkle) Coleman, Fincastle, VA

Also, survived by 3-Great-Granddaughters: Callie Long, Maddie Long and Emma Grace Adams; 3-Sisters-in-Law: Jackie, Helen and Gay Yates; Many lovable Nieces and Nephews and Friends; and his special companion, his dog Murphy.

Funeral Services for RUSH JENNINGS YATES will be conducted Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. at the Victory Baptist Church with Rev. Larry Ratliff, Rev. Larry David Ratliff, Evg. Mike Rife and Rev. Benny Williams officiating with burial to follow in Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery, Richlands, VA.

Friends may call at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel Saturday evening at 6:00 P.M. with services at 7:00 P.M.

Active Pallbearers will be Paul Yates, Ralph Yates, Paul Hagy, Jennings Yates, Freddie Yates, Rex Tiller, Marshall Wineberry and Roger Yates.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Lois Clark, Reva Fields, Martha Ann Gayle, Jimmy Street, Joe Gary Street, Men of Victory Baptist Church and Employees of Cope Food Pantry.

Flower Girls will be Hope Tiller, Mandy Tiller, Allison Wineberry, Bobbi Ratliff, Colleen Bryant, Rachel Bryant, Coty Crigger, Christie Plymal and Kenndi Plymal.

Full Military Rites will be conducted at the cemetery by members of Childs Gentry Post No. 7360 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.grundyfuneralhome.com

Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy, Virginia is in charge of all arrangements.