Joseph Edgar Yates Jr.

Joseph Yates departed this earthly home at the age of 73 on Christmas Eve morning. Joe was one of the best and he touched so many people and communities with intelligence and humor. He was loved and supported by his loving wife of 27 years, Lynne Arnold Yates. They shared faith, recovery, love, commitment, family, and of course fun and laughter. Joe was a wonderful husband, brother, friend, musician, classmate (Andrew Lewis 67 and Virginia Tech 71), Hokie, mentor, and co-worker. He loved the City of Salem and Virginia Tech and shared a brotherhood with members of the Corps of Cadets and the Highty-Tightie Regimental Band. Joe worked for the City of Salem for more than 32 years, retiring as the Director of Planning and Economic Development. He was very proud of his roots in Salem and carried on a high level of service and knowledge that cannot be matched. In retirement, Joe worked for Balzer and Associates for 10 years where he had an amazing group of co-workers. He loved it! Joe was involved with music his entire life. He began as a drummer banging out tunes on his crib. In addition to the Highty-Tighties, he played in the ALHS marching band and also some local bands beginning with Conspirators in 1963, Nobles, Chevelles, Premiers/Nathan Shakin, Malcolm Melrose, Dr. Dark, Grievous Angels, Hi-liters, Martin, Bush, & Yates, and The Kings, In 1978 he and other local musicians formed the Rhythm Doctors; Joe as the lead singer and frontman but he also playing the harmonica and sometimes the drums. If you got to see these guys play once, you were a Doctors fan and a friend. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, J. Edgar Yates and Hazel Cundiff Yates; his oldest sister, E. Connie Wardle, and his youngest sister, Betsy K. Harrison; and his mother-in-law, Ellen Arnold. He is survived by his wife, Lynne Arnold Yates, his sister, Peggy Weaver (Tom), his brothers-in-law, Bob Wardle and Mike Harrison (Cathy), his father-in-law, Bill Arnold, all of Salem and his sister-in-law, Delores Gordon (Jerry) of Winchester, VA. Joe is also survived by many nieces and nephews and he was so proud to see them grow up and have strong families. Joe would want people to gather and be together with great music, laughter, and joy. There will be a Celebration of Life service on February 10, 2023, at 2:00 pm with visitation 1 hour prior to service (1:00 pm) at John M. Oakey & Son Chapel, 305 Roanoke Blvd, Salem, VA. Joe also had a few organizations he supported. Donations can be made to VTCC Highty-Tighties Class of 71 ELS, Office of Gift Accounting, 902 Prices Fork Road, University Gateway Center, Blacksburg, VA. 24061, and Pathfinders for Greenways, P. O. Box 8553, Roanoke, VA. 24014. https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/84639 Service Details. Visitation When Friday, February 10th, 2023 1:00pm - 2:00pm Location John M. Oakey & Son Chapel Address 305 Roanoke Boulevard Salem, Virginia 24153 Celebration of Life When Friday, February 10th, 2023 2:00pm Location John M. Oakey & Son Chapel Address 305 Roanoke Boulevard Salem, Virginia 24153