Robert "Bob" Harold Yates

Robert “Bob” Harold Yates, 79, passed away on May 12, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family and faithful companion.

Bob was born in New Bern, NC on July 13, 1946, to the late Harold and Jane Yates and grew up in Beaufort, NC.

He is preceded in death by both parents and younger brother, Charles “Chuck” Yates.

Bob is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sybil Yates of the home; daughter, Dee Lupton (Hiram) of Arapahoe; son, Sean Yates (DoriJo) of New Bern; grandson, Buddy Yates of Wilmington; and granddaughter, Cheyenne Lupton of Carrboro. He is also survived by Gretchen, his loyal Dachshund who was his protector and guardian, that will now be lost without him.

As a youth, Bob worked at The Fish Meal Company in Beaufort, NC and Louisiana, shoveling menhaden out of the holds of fishing boats. When he got older, Bob was an attendant at Buster Brite’s Gas Station in New Bern, NC. It was during this time he met Sybil. After graduation from New Bern High School in 1964, Bob and Sybil married in 1966. He served our nation in the US Air Force where he was stationed in West Germany, California, and Arkansas. While stationed in Arkansas, he learned how to ride horses in the Ozarks and competed in numerous rodeos on his beloved horse Whiskey. After his service ended, Bob moved the family back to New Bern where he worked at Cherry Point, for over 27 years, until he retired. While working at Cherry Point, Bob heard the Lord’s calling to the ministry that led him to become the pastor at Vanceboro First FWB Church. Then he took over the pastoral duties at Mt Zion Original FWB church in Vandemere and became an ordained minister though Mount Olive College. He served the congregation and community for 17 years. His quiet steady presence brought many lifelong friends to know the Lord. His actions always spoke louder than his words. He performed numerous wedding ceremonies as well as funerals for friends and church members. He ministered to the sick as well as celebrated births. Even after his retirement from the ministry, he was often asked to perform many of these services and always said yes until his health no longer allowed. After retiring from Cherry Point, Bob found enjoyment working at Roy’s Marine Supply in Alliance where he helped boaters and commercial fishermen find whatever supplies were needed. After Roy’s closed, he began work at NAPA in Alliance delivering lawn mowers and helping customers find their way. He enjoyed helping and talking with people from all over the County.

Bob loved piddling in his shop or in a friend’s shop just tinkering. In addition to owning several original classic cars such as a 66 Ford Mustang GT, Chevrolet Camaro, and Pontiac GTO, to name a few, he restored a 66 Ford Fairlane 500 with help from many friends. For years, he was a fixture at car shows where he shared his passion for cars with other enthusiasts. Bob was a quiet man who loved to be out on the water, whether it was boating, shrimping, or fishing in the occasional king mackerel tournament. Many Sunday afternoons were spent with friends and family on the Bay River and Vandemere Creek enjoying each other’s company and just relaxing.

Bob was proud of his children and grandchildren’s many accomplishments. He attended many of their sports activities, band concerts, dance recitals, graduations, and the occasional tea party.

Bob and Sybil enjoyed retirement traveling the country with friends on their Honda Goldwing, including one epic trip to Yellowstone and back. Bob even had several Iron Butt rides to his credit. They were active members of the Palace City Goldwings motorcycle club of New Bern. He served as Chapter Director as well as the Team Captain of their Precision Drill Team as they performed and competed throughout the Southeast. Along with Sybil, they were named Couple of Year representing the chapter at multiple rallies and events. Eventually, they slowed down and got a permanent campsite in Fancy Gap, VA. They spent most of the summers sitting around a campfire, visiting with other couples, enjoying nature, and allowing Bob to get in the occasional afternoon nap on the deck of the camper.

A small service will be held at Daniels-Sadler Funeral home in Alliance on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 11am.

Family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service.

The family greatly appreciates all the visits, phone calls, and cards over the last few months. We would also like to thank Dr Cho and Dr Miller with the SECU Cancer Center in New Bern, that oversaw his treatment the last few years. We want to express our eternal gratitude to the nursing aides of Trinity Adult & Senior Services of Bayboro and to the nurses and aides of Hospice of Pamlico County for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to Hospice of Pamlico, PO Box 6, Bayboro, NC 28515 or a charity of your choice.