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Obituary for Albert "Al" Yates
Albert “Al” Jerome Yates, age 67, June 4, 2018. Born in Pontiac, Michigan on November 5, 1950. Raised in Drayton Plains, Michigan and a 25 year resident of Oxford, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Doris Yates. He is survived by his beloved wife, Rosemary, whom he married in 1972; his daughters Jennifer (Scott) Ingram and Rachel Yates; Grandchildren Alexander and Deanna Ingram; brothers John and Jim Yates.
Al was raised in Drayton Plains, Michigan and graduated from Waterford Kettering High School in 1968. He was a Sergeant in the United States Army and served his country from 1969-1972. Prior to his honorable discharge he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Bronze Star Medal amongst other medals and commendations.
Al worked for General Motors for 50 years. His tenure at General Motors began in 1968 at the Fisher Body Plant before transferring to the Orion Assembly Plant. He began his career as a millwright, served as a Committeeman for UAW Local 5960 and spent the last 20+ years as an International Union Representative. He was a well known and respected part of General Motors where he fostered countless relationships that became his second family.
Al was very active in the veteran community and held a duel membership to the American Legion Post 108 for over 35 years and Sons of the American Legion for over 15 years. Al also taught numerous veterans benefits classes to ensure that he continued to do his part for his armed forces brothers and sisters.
To further serve his veteran family, Al and his business partner Jim Sergeant began a nonprofit organization called Freedom Ramps where they built wheelchair ramps at no cost to those in need. Over the last 20 years, Freedom Ramps provided hundreds of veterans easier access to and from their homes allowing them the freedom to live more fulfilled lives.
Al was a generous, loyal, honest, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend to so many. He was a kind hearted, gentle giant. He loved his wife immensely and he was her rock and the love of her life. Al and Rosie were truly two hearts that became one. He was very loved and respected and he will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Freedom Ramps held a special place in Al’s heart and therefore the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Freedom Ramps at the funeral home or directly to Jim Sergeant. If you are unable to make a donation at the funeral home, please contact Jim at 248-770-4762 or jimsgt@comcast.net
Visitation will take place at Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors, 39 W. Burdick, Oxford on Friday, June 8, 2018 from 3-8 PM with an American Legion service at 7 PM. The funeral will be at the funeral home on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 11 AM with visitation beginning at 10 AM. Following the funeral there will be a luncheon at 12 noon at American Legion Walter Fraser Post #108, 130 E. Drahner, Oxford, MI 48371.
Interment of cremated remains will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly with military honors on Friday, August 24 at 2:30 p.m.
