Albert Freeman Yates Jr.

Albert Freeman Yates, Jr.

Albert Freeman Yates, Jr., Age 63 of Whittier, NC, passed away Saturday July 30, 2011 at his home of pancreatic cancer. Freeman was born August 14,1947, in Thomasville, Georgia.

He was raised in Tallahassee, FL and -moved to Havana FL with his wife Susan, to raise his family. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to play golf, fish, hunt and train retrievers. Freeman was an active member of Ducks Unlimited and often sought after as an American Kennel Club Field Test Judge throughout the Southeast for over twenty years. During his training days, his beloved labs Spade and Shine both won numerous Master National retrieving awards. After serving in the Florida National Guard he began his 33?year career with Centel Telephone, he was a member of the International Telephone Pioneers of America and past President of the ITPA.

After retirement Freeman moved to North Carolina with his wife Virginia, where he never met a stranger or hesitated to gladly offer a helping hand to those who may have needed help. He was famous for his cooking skills and for his mountain grilling parties. His friends often referred to him affectionately as the "Mayor of the Mountain."

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Albert F. Yates and Sadie Wooley Yates, paternal grandfather and grandmother, L.A Steve Yates and Lucille Freeman Yates, Tallahassee, Florida; Great Grandmother Maude Wills Freeman, Jacksonville, Florida, his maternal grandfather and grandmother, B.C. Prince and Mary Leslie Biggers Prince.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Virginia Yates, his children, Georgja Yates Higgins, son and daughter in law, Stanley and Rebecca Yates; Stepdaughter, Tajhia Whigham, two stepsons, Robert and his wife Wendy Whigham, Fred and his wife, Melissa Whigham; his twin sister, Mary Tiffany Yates Schwartz and husband, Michael; his brother, Larry Yates and wife, Debbie. Two grandchildren, Jackson Yates and Tyler Higgins; his step grandchildren, Amelia and Cory Whigham; and numerous friends around the United States; His love of nature endured throughout his life. Freeman rests peacefully high on the mountain he loved so dearly with Spade his constant companion by his side.

Freeman requested cremation and a good party with whiskey for those that wish to raise a glass in his memory.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked to make a donation to an animal rescue shelter in Freeman's name for his love of animals.