Eddy Brown Yates

Eddy B. Yates, age 80, passed peacefully at home on Thursday, December 18, 2025, after an extended illness. Eddy lived in Harlan, KY until he was 8 years old and then moved with his family to Abingdon, VA. He was a graduate of Abingdon High School, attended Georgia Tech, and earned his bachelor’s degree from East Tennessee State University.

Eddy began working at the family business in 1956. Dixie Pottery became a landmark in Abingdon and grew to serve 1000’s of weekly visitors. Eddy was the buyer for the business. He and his family closed the business for the first part of the year and traveled abroad to purchase housewares and other items for the store. He later managed the business before finally retiring in the early 2000’s. He was a member of the Abingdon Rotary Club.

Eddy was a racing enthusiast, spent extensive time traveling the world with his wife and family, enjoyed wine and wineries, and collecting sport cars. He was a member of Abingdon United Methodist Church.

Eddy was preceded in death by his parents, Marion Henry Yates and Juanita Burke Yates, and brother-in-law, Peter Arnold. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda Sue Arnold Yates; sister-in-law, Joyce Rutherford; special cousin, John VanDyke and wife Barbara; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register. The family of Eddy B. Yates is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.