HAMLET — Sept. 20 was a big day for the family of Leroy W. Yates. Yates, 88, received The Order of the Long Leaf Pine from Sen. Tom McInnis, and an endowed scholarship at Richmond Community College was established in Yates’ honor by his family.

The highest civilian award conferred by the governor of North Carolina, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is awarded to persons for exemplary service to the State of North Carolina and their communities that is above and beyond the call of duty and which has made a significant impact and strengthened North Carolina.

“My father is a life-long resident of Richmond County, and he has spent his life as a most unselfish volunteer and advocate for the impoverished,” said Yates’ son, Denny E. Yates. “Throughout his life, he has exhibited tremendous integrity and has always been willing to contribute to those less fortunate than himself.”

By trade, Yates was an electrical and HVAC contractor for about 25 years, after which he pursued a profession as a realtor based in Richmond County.

In the 1980s, Yates began a chapter of MADD in Richmond County and oversaw its operation for many years. He led the charge to start a Christian Ministry at Morrison Correctional Institution, which is still in place today.

“My father devoted nearly 25 years of his life attending almost every Sunday to mentor, minister and provide an opportunity for Christian enrichment to the inmates of that facility,” Denny said.

A lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Rockingham, Yates also conceived, designed, developed and constructed the first disaster relief vehicle for the Baptist Men of North Carolina. His concept was used for many years for disaster relief from hurricanes along the coast, flooding in the mountains and other areas in the state where hardship struck.

He also participated in the design, development and construction of many churches throughout the state.

“I cannot think of a more deserving individual for such a prestigious award. To serve one’s community for 25 years is truly an outstanding achievement,” McInnis said as he presented the award to Yates. “You and your family should be very proud, as is the State of North Carolina, of all you have accomplished. You are truly an inspiration to man.”

In addition to the award announcement, the family of Yates also announced the establishment of the Leroy W. Yates Scholarship for Community Service and Volunteerism, an endowed scholarship to benefit RichmondCC students who exhibit a desire and commitment to serve their community through volunteer work.

“Mr. Yates is a great man, and we are proud to continue his legacy of service to the community through this scholarship,” Dr. Dale McInnis, president of RichmondCC, said. “It is because of scholarships like this that our students are able to afford college and better their lives.”

“We are happy to be establishing in our father’s honor this scholarship that will benefit others, and we think it is a proper way to honor a man who spent so much of his life working to the benefit of other people,” Denny said.

Dr. Hal Shuler, Associate Vice President of Development at RichmondCC, worked with the Yates family in setting up the scholarship.

“On behalf of the RichmondCC Foundation, I want to thank the Yates family for such a generous gift to our students and for honoring the many years of selfless service of Mr. Leroy Yates with a scholarship that will continue to give back to others for many years to come,” Shuler said.

Wylie D. Bell is director of marketing and communications for Richmond Community College.

Courtesy photo Leroy W. Yates recently received The Order of Long Leaf Pine and was honored by his family with the establishment of an endowed scholarship at Richmond Community College. Pictured are, from left to right, Kay Yates, wife of Yates’s son Denny; Yates’ daughter, Carol Day; Yates; and Yates’ son, Denny Yates.
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_Leroy-Yates.jpgCourtesy photo Leroy W. Yates recently received The Order of Long Leaf Pine and was honored by his family with the establishment of an endowed scholarship at Richmond Community College. Pictured are, from left to right, Kay Yates, wife of Yates’s son Denny; Yates’ daughter, Carol Day; Yates; and Yates’ son, Denny Yates.

By Wylie D. Bell

For the Daily Journal