Franklin Yates

YATES, FRANKLIN (FRANK) SANDERS was born in Luray, VA on July 14, 1935 and died in Annapolis, MD on June­ 25, 2014. In his youth growing up in Luray, he was known as Frankie, and was a son of the late Arthur and Mildred Yates of Luray. He is survived by his brother Paul (Letty) Yates of Crofton, MD, his sister Millie Dawson of Wilmington, NC, his brother-in-law Jake Shepherd of Winnabow, NC, his first cousins Phil and Bobbi Yates of Warrenton VA and Doug Yates of Nashville, TN. Frank also has surviving nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces and he loved them all. In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by his former wife, Stephanie Boylston, his brother Lewis, his sisters June Holland and Joann Shepherd, his former brother-in-law Larry Dovel and his brother-in-law George Dawson. Frank was a graduate of Luray High School and the University of South Carolina. He also served in the US Army and was stationed for a time in Germany. While living in Luray, he was employed in the Public Relations Department for the Luray Caverns. He had lived in Annapolis since the 1970s and at the Bay Ridge Health Care Center there for at least the last 10 years. During his time in Annapolis, he was a well-known local politician, philosopher and pool hall manager. He once ran for Mayor and was later appointed to the Annapolis Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. For many years, he was also a major force for good in the recovery community in Maryland and he helped family members, friends and strangers find a better life. His brother and sister are grateful for the good care he was given by Bay Ridge and by Anne Arundel Hospital, especially Dr. Tim Woods. The family will hold a private service at a later time. If you knew our brother Frank, you know he was friendly, fun, loving, caring, and a really unique person. Our brother died on the anniversary of the deaths of Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett Majors. We expect he is currently dancing in Heaven with Farrah while Michael is singing for them, and his cat Starshine is watching. If you would like to contact the family, please do so, in care of Millie Dawson, PO Box 1652, Wrightsville Beach NC 28480. RIP Frankie, we love you.