Joseph Bernard Yates, Sr. 84 of Waldorf, Maryland.

Obituary

As we celebrate the life of Joseph Bernard Yates, Sr. , we do so with many fond memories.  The value of life cannot be measured by longevity alone but in one's love and the impact of the lives of others.

Joseph Bernard Yates, Sr. , affectionately known as " Mack ", the son of the late Andrew and Pauline Yates was born in Faulkner, Maryland on September 14, 1936 and departed this life for eternal rest on Monday, September 28, 2020 at his daughter's home in Waldorf, Maryland.

Mack attended public schools in Charles County and graduated from Bel Alton High School in 1954.  He was united in matrimony to the late Agnes Elizabeth Yates on December 1, 1956 and they were married for 59 years.

Dad started working at the young age of six in the tobacco fields earning twenty-five cents a week which he gave to his mom to help pay bills.  That is where he began to learn his work ethic.  He worked with Earnshaw Brothers as a backhoe operator for many years and also worked with Raye Vest as a fuel truck driver.  He worked as a part-time Security Guard for Sears.  He also owned and drove his dump truck (Mean Green) until his wife insisted that he get a real job to pay the bills. His last job was the one he loved the most.  Working as a Correctional/Transport Officer for 16 years with the Charles County Correctional Office until his retirement in May of 1999.  It was through the many jobs he worked he developed a strong work ethic and believed strongly in providing for his family.  We never wanted for anything.  He enjoyed attending the different sports activities that his children/grandchildren/great grandchildren were involved in.  Whatever the sport was Dad was always there supporting and encouraging.  He also loved crabbing with his buddy the late Billy Brown.  His favorite pastime was watching his favorite sports teams, the NFL Washington Football Team formerly known as the Washington Redskins and the Washington Wizards.

Dad was a faithful and long time member of Shiloh Community United Methodist Church of Newburg, Maryland where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and attended on a regular basis until his health began to fail. He was also a member of the W.A.C. Hughes Lodge #1053 of Newburg, Maryland for 47 years.  Even through his illness he continued to have a sense of humor.  He always said the phrase "I'M BLESSED".  Even during the rough times he would always say "I'M BLESSED". Gospel and oldies music was his favorite.

In addition to his parents, Dad was preceded in death by his wife, Agnes Elizabeth Yates and his son, James Preston Hicks.

Dad is survived by his 10 children; Michael (Vanessa) Hicks, Diane, Phyllis (Francis) Dorsey, Joseph Jr. (Denise), David (LaTonya), Mary (James) McPherson, Sr., Charles (Toni), Robert (Barbara), George and John Yates; daughter-in-law, Christine Hicks; brother, Horace Yates; a special son, Thomas Reece and an adopted son, James Barnett; 21 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; god daughter, Patricia Harris Yates and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Viewing, 9am until time of Service, 11am in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640.  Private Interment, Trinity Memorial Gardens, 3221 Mattawoman Beantown Road, Waldorf, Maryland 20601.