Boone, NC - Mr. Richard Clay Yates, age 88, of Boone, passed away Tuesday, December 21, 2021, in Watauga Medical Center.  Born November 16, 1933, in Matney, Mr. Yates was a son of the late Dave E. and Anne Belle Smith Yates.

Mr. Yates was a U.S. Marine Corps. Veteran and retired drywall contractor.

Other than his parents, he is preceded in death by three sons, Gary, Jeff, and Chris Yates; and siblings, Bennie Yates, Ruth Isaacs, Emma Lou Swope and Lois Rominger.

He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Yates Vallini, and husband Neil of Boone; son, David Yates of Johnson City, TN; four grandchildren, Corbin Vallini, Madalyn Yates, Lindsey Tester and husband Brian and Emily Greer and husband Josh.  He is also survived by 5 great-grandchildren, Avery Tester, Eliza Madison Tester, Ellington Tester, Lucy Greer, and Molly Greer and several special nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 PM Monday, December 27, 2021, in Hampton Funeral Home Chapel conducted by Neil Vallini.  Military Honors will be provided by the American Legion Post 130.  Burial will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.  The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 until 2:00.

Online condolences may be sent to the Yates Family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com .

Hampton Funeral Service of Boone is in charge of arrangements.