Charles Edward Yates

1947 - 2021

Charles "Chuck" Edward Yates
January 18, 1947 - February 6, 2021
Lexington, Kentucky - Charles "Chuck" Edward Yates, 74, of Lexington KY passed away Saturday February 6, 2021. He died unexpectedly, but peacefully, at home surrounded by family after a lengthy battle with congestive heart failure and COPD. He is survived by his wife of forty-nine years, Jacquelyn Davis Yates, his daughter Jocelyn Yates Westerman (Shawn), his son Charles Andrew Yates, two grandchildren Lily & Charlie Westeman, his sister Karen Mitchell (Don), and extended family and friends.
Charles was the son of the late Linkous and Pinie Yates of Grundy VA. He was a decorated Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow with a special interest in archery. He enjoyed water sports, following college football, and target shooting. At age 12, he contracted rheumatic fever which prevented him from serving in the armed forces, something he'd always hoped to do. He was baptized in the Grundy Church of Christ and his faith was a vital part of his life. While attending high school at Grundy High, he drove school buses for the county. He was also known to skip school to drive a coal truck for a local coal company. His life-long dream was to be a Nascar driver. It was during his senior year he met the love of his life, Jackie. While attending summer school, he looked out the window and saw "the most beautiful pair of legs (he'd) ever seen" and he quickly asked her out. Although he had a reputation for driving too fast, her parents approved, and they were married July 17, 1971.
After graduating from high school, he attended several programs earning a diploma from Viatech School of Computer Science in Roanoke VA. He took a job selling insurance for State Farm Insurance in Roanoke VA and later in Tazewell VA. Although he was vastly successful in insurance, his passion was the coal industry and in 1976 he began his own coal company. Chasing the industry, he and Jackie moved to eastern Kentucky where he owned and operated several mines in the Hazard KY area including Perry County Coal, his most successful company. He was a decorated businessman and was included in Exceptional Young Men of America, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was a Kentucky Colonel. During these years, he and Jackie became parents to their daughter, Jocelyn, and their son, Andy.
Charles always had to have a project and in 1990, he started his biggest, most rewarding one. He purchased land in Lexington where he established Fox Trot Farms. Over the next thirty years, he raised tobacco, corn, soybeans, alfalfa, cattle, horses, and enormous gardens which he shared with family and friends. Charles was a brilliant businessman and always surrounded himself with people to help him fulfill his dreams. The farm connected him to many lifelong friends in the Athens KY community. While farming, he stayed active in the coal mining industry and had plans for a clean coal reclamation project in Estill County KY. He and his family joined Athens Christian Church where Charles served as a deacon for several years. In 2009 he welcomed his granddaughter Lily, and in 2012 his grandson and namesake, Charlie. They were his absolute pride and joy.
Charles was a devoted friend. He was generous with his time and his resources. He never turned away anyone in need, even at his own expense. In all his business ventures, his philosophy was to put the needs of his employees above his own. His family was his main priority. He was a devoted son who loved and respected his parents. He adored his wife and freely admitted he would be completely lost without her. He was a proud, doting father and relished his role as grandfather, or Pop. He loved animals and always had pets that he spoiled with unlimited treats and affection. He enjoyed giving lavish gifts and welcomed guests in his home. He loved holidays and having everyone visit together. He wanted everyone to feel welcome and comfortable, no one was ever turned away. He loved to garden mostly because he wanted to share the abundance. He saw potential in every opportunity. He was a total optimist who saw the best in every person and every situation. He never held grudges. He loved westerns, Coca-Cola in glass bottles, Kool brand cigarettes, Sam's Hot Dogs, and coffee. But his greatest love was for the Lord. Charles was a man of deep faith who was devoted to Bible study and prayer. He constantly remarked on how the Lord had blessed him. As his health failed and he lost his independence, he was anxious to receive his glorified body and meet his heroes of the faith. His greatest wish would be for everyone to know the love of the Lord. While his family takes comfort in knowing he is with the Lord and his passing was peaceful and painless, we grieve the loss of the man who was the provider and caregiver at the heart of our family.
Visitation will be from 11am-1pm Saturday February 13, 2021 with the funeral service at 1pm at Athens Christian Church, 6295 Athens Boonesboro Rd Lexington KY 40509. Interment will be at Athens Cemetery. The service will be conducted by Pastor Robert Warren of Athens Christian Church. Pallbearers will be Andy Yates, Jocelyn Westerman, Shawn Westerman, Mauricio Rivera, Daniel Brown, and Wilfredo Salazar. Honorary pallbearers are Amber Teate, Don Mitchell, Butch Crockett, Jamie Yates, Jerald "Doc" Elkin, Duane Cook, John Sosbe, Jerry Miller, Darrell Grigsby, and Dr. Dennis Newton. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Athens Christian Church.