Glenn Yates Jr.

1927 - 2022

Glenn Yates, Jr., an architect and longtime Portsmouth resident, died at home peacefully on Wednesday, January 26, 2022.

He was born Glennie Yates, Jr. on September 7, 1927 in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. His family moved to Virginia Beach during World War II.

Upon graduating from Oceana High School in 1945, he served 2 years in the Merchant Marines, attended University of Virginia, University of Pennsylvania, completed his studies at Pratt Institute, and has practiced architecture in Portsmouth since 1959. His architectural work has been recognized with numerous national and local awards. He won the Virginia AIA First Honor Award in 1964 for his first major commission, the interior renovation of the old Post Office Building on Court Street into the modern Portsmouth Public Library Building. He designed the Portsmouth Civic Center. In later years he specialized in assisted living facilities.

He was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1965 and served 3 terms. He worked to get the Hampton Roads Interstate outer loop and inner loop completed and was recently outraged when the tunnel tolls were imposed.

Glenn was past president of Downtown Portsmouth Association, Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, Tidewater Artists Association, AIA Tidewater. He served on the Board of Directors of the Norfolk Civic Ballet, the Portsmouth Civic Arts Commission and the Portsmouth YMCA. He was a member of American Institute of Architects since 1952, Virginia Cultural Development Study Commission, Portsmouth Commission of Architectural Review, Portsmouth Downtown Design Review Committee, Portsmouth Focus Urban Design Committee and Merrimac Kiwanis. He generously donated his time to community service.

He was an accomplished artist and showed in various art shows including the Boardwalk Art Show and The Seawall Art Show, earning several awards. His work is included in the collection of the Chrysler Museum. He was commissioned by Ports Events to create the poster to commemorate the first Race to Cock Island, which he gladly did pro bono. The Cock Island party was the biggest party on the water in Hampton Roads and Glenn was right in his element.

He was definitely a people person and loved good conversation. With his infectious smile and upbeat manner, he was known to all as the quintessential optimist. He was an avid golfer. After being a member of Elizabeth Manor Golf and Country Club for 50 years, he became an honorary member. He enjoyed reading and excelled at crossword puzzles. He loved playing bridge, getting together with his "gin" buddies, good wine and an occasional martini. Most of all, he loved his family.

He was predeceased by his parents, Glennie and Jennie Katherine Trobaugh Yates. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 39 years, Diane; son, Daniel Yates of Palm Coast, FL; two daughters, Holly (Randy) Ashberry of Kill Devil Hills, NC, and Patricia Ferebee of Ormond Beach, FL; brother, Fred Yates; 9 grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren.

His family would like to thank the staff of Amedisys and his wonderful caregivers, Becky, Shawnie, Becky, JoAnn, Mo and Erica and the staff of Maryview Hospital.

At his request, there will be no funeral service and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to your favorite charity.