Reverend John Larry Yates was born August 4, 1950 to the late James and Carrie Mae Peterson Yates. At the age of 70, John completed his earthly journey on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at Duke University Hospital. When his Heavenly Father requested him to come home, he made a peaceful transition, while surrounded by his family whom he deeply loved.

In his early years, John attended public schools in Sumter County and graduated from high school in 1968. He started his military journey in 1970 when he enlisted in the United States Army. On March 18, 1972, he married his soul mate Ms. Lelia M. Durant. From this beautiful union, they were blessed with two daughters, Felecia and Jennifer.

While serving in the Vietnam War, John was wounded in combat and later awarded the Purple Heart medal for his commendable actions. After 22 years of serving for his country overseas and domestically, he retired and was later employed by the L'Anse Creuse Public School system in Mount Clemens, Michigan. While working with the educational staff, he gained a desire to become an entrepreneur. Upon retiring from the school system, John became the founder and owner of Metro Contracting Services, LLC. This fulfilled his dream to build a business and leave a legacy for his family.

In 1981, John gave his life to the Lord, was baptized in Jesus name, and received the Holy Spirit. Thereafter, he became a licensed minister under the guidance of the United Pentecostal Church International. For over 20 years, he served as Assistant Pastor at Christian Lighthouse Church in Mount Clemens, Michigan. To live out his retirement and entrepreneurial lifestyle, he returned back home to Sumter, where he transferred his ministerial membership to the First United Pentecostal Church of Sumter, SC.

John was preceded in death by his parents, James and Carrie Yates, and one brother, James Yates, Jr.

John's sudden and unexpected transition is heartbreaking to all that know him. Beautiful and fond memories will forever be cherished by his wife and soul mate of 48 years, Lelia Yates; two daughters, Felecia Jones and Jennifer Yates of Raleigh, NC; one grandson, Joevone Jones of Greensboro, NC; two granddaughters, Janiya and Jelesia Jones of Raleigh, NC; five sisters, Carrie Lewis, Frances Davis, Amy (Howard) Pringle and Valerie Yates of Sumter, SC, and Enda Mae (John) Baker of Columbia, SC; four brothers, George (Dian Pringle) Yates and Rowland (Loretta) Yates of Sumter, SC and Michael (Yanique) Yates and Harry Lee Yates of Jacksonville, FL; a cousin who is like a brother, Matthew (Julia) Muldrow of Columbia, SC; three aunts, Sadie Singleton of Columbia, SC and Maggy (William) Sheppard and Julia Pettyjohn of Dalzell, SC; his mother-in-law, Fannie Durant of Sumter, SC; seven sister-in-laws, Viola (Prince) Carter, Betty (Leroy) Wilson, Janie (Lee) Williams of Sumter, SC, Mary Durant of Columbia, SC, and Roger Durant, Tracie Durant and Amanda DuRant of Upper Marlboro, MD; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

John was loved by many and was a friend to all who knew him. He took special joy in spending time and making lasting memories with his grandchildren, whom he nicknamed "JV", "Niya" and "Snook". He will be sorely missed daily by his immediate and extended family as well as a host of friends and Christian brothers and sisters.