James "Jay" Dalton Yates

JAMES "JAY" DALTON YATES, 83, died July 8, 2020, in Little Rock, Ark. He was born in Cotter, Ark., on May 22, 1937. Jay was a United States Air Force veteran and by trade worked in sales with stocks and commodities. His true passion in life was his love for traveling, especially by motorcycle through the Black Hills of South Dakota and Montana and also traveling in the air as a pilot. Jay was an avid Razorback fan and loved rodeo and fishing. He was also one of the driving forces that started the Arkansas State Chili Cook-Off. Jay will be remembered for being a beloved companion, father, grandfather, and friend who will be greatly missed. He is preceded in death by his parents, Eva Virginia Ellison Yates and Dennison Fulton Yates; his brothers, Dennison Yates and Ronnie Yates, and his pets that he adored, his bird, Pabbie and his rescue dog, Red Dog. Survivors include his son, Mark Yates and his wife, Linda; his loving companion of 25 years, Susan Anthony Rice; a grandson, Matthew Yates and his wife, Morgan; great-grandchildren, Matison Yates and Noah Yates; sisters, Patricia Ann James and Janis Estes and her husband, Ken; a brother Billy Yates and his wife, Carolyn. Jay is also survived by his extended family which includes Susan's daughters, Heather Collins and her husband, Brant, and their children, Magnolia Collins and James Collins; and Hollie Wolfe and her husband, Shane and their children, Fisher Wolfe, Spartagus Wolfe, and Sheriff Wolfe; and as well as Jay's best friend of over fifty years, John Schlereth, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Pulaski County, 14600 Colonel Glenn Rd, Little Rock, Ark., 72210. Due to the current global pandemic and in an effort to accommodate current safety standards, a private family service celebrating Jay's life will be held. The service can be viewed on or anytime after Thursday, July 23, 2020, by following the video link on Jay's online obituary at ruebelfuneralhome.com. The family would like to assure everyone that once social restrictions are lifted there will be a party that all will be invited to in honor of the amazing life James lived. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home.