Paul Edward Yates, 76 of Benton, Arkansas, passed away on April 13, 2023.  He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on August 24, 1946.  After graduating high school, Paul began working for Reynolds Metal and soon after, joined the United States Army Reserve.  Assigned to HHC 336 ^th Ordnance Battalion, he served as kitchen supervisor and cook in Vietnam.  Paul earned the National Defense Service Metal, Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Star, Marksman (rifle) and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.  After 19 years with Reynolds Metal, Paul went to school to become a Diesel Mechanic.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Dan Gilbert "Gib" Yates, Sr. and Ima Dee Yates, brothers, Kenneth and Al Yates, brother in law, Mack Sides and son in law, Daniel Blair.

Paul is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ora Lee Yates, son, Paul Edward "Eddie"  (Kay) Yates, daughters, Sara Michelle (Matt) Shelnut, ten grandkids, Kayla Prichard, Samuel (Kara) Yates, Austin (Angela) Prichard, Jessica Prichard, Logan Yates, Jonathan Shelnut, Breanna Yates, and Zach Blair, two great grandkids, Marley Prichard and Bo Wickliffe, sister, Cathy Sides, brother, Dan (Sheila) Yates, sister in law, Janie Yates and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial service will be held on April 30, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Kentucky Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Donny Haynes officiating.  Burial will be at McPherson Cemetery at a later date.

Online guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com