Obituaries

Rudolph “Rudy Man” Yates, 81, of Martinsville, Virginia, transitioned to his heavenly home Sunday, March 8, 2026. He was born December 25, 1944, in Whiteville, North Carolina to the late Edna Reaves Yates and Johnnie Benjamin Yates, Sr.

Rudolph was a member of Reach Out Apostolic Church and believed in the power of prayer. He attended Southside High School in Blairs, Virginia. Over the years he was employed by Roy Stone Trucking, Stanley Furniture, Nationwide Homes, and Tultex, giving more than forty years of service. He enjoyed spending time with his family, riding bikes, fishing, traveling, and watching westerns. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He loved attending church and having the opportunity to worship. To his family, Rudolph was his children’s superman and there wasn’t anything he could not do; at least he thought.

Rudolph was a fighter who faced his illness with strength until the end. As his illness progressed, his caretaker, Doris Yates, never left his side. She attended to his needs and remained a devoted companion until the end. The love she had for him will not be forgotten.

He is survived by his daughters, Sharon Yates and Sandra Jones; sons, Terry A. Yates and Rudolph O. Yates, Jr. (Shenita); sisters, Edna F Morrison, Mazie L. Sowell (Elder Dennis), Mary E. Peatross (Elder Theodore), and Betty Yates; brothers, Johnnie B. Yates, Jr. (Sherrie), Randolph Yates (Levica), Wilbert Yates (Lois), and Willis Yates (Nyora); eight grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

The funeral will be held Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Reach Out Apostolic Church with Bishop Lorenzo Hall officiating. Interment will follow at Fair Haven Memorial Park. A Visitation will be held thirty minutes prior to the service. The family will receive friends and extended family daily from 1:00 PM until 7:00 PM at 5400 Axton Road, Axton, Virginia 24054.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.