Obituary

Dateline Kingsport, TN

James George "J.G." Yelton, Jr.

James George "J.G." Yelton, Jr., 84, formerly of Unicoi, TN, passed away on March 12, 2010 at Holston Manor, Kingsport, TN, after a period of declining health. He was born in Mitchell County, NC and moved permanently to Unicoi in the early 1960's.  He was a member and lifetime deacon of Middle District Freewill Baptist Church, Buladean, NC, where he taught Sunday School and led a quartet for several years.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mamie, and his mother, Geneva Hughes. Survivors include his daughter Linda and Kenneth Wayne Day of Kingsport; his granddaughter Lenora and Joe Kirkpatrick, Louisville, KY.; sisters Pauline Whitehead, Hampton, TN, Clean Arrowood and Myrtle Thomas, Buladean, NC, several nieces and nephews, and a good friend and Masonic lodge brother, Hershel Scalf.

After retiring as a truck driver he took special joy working in The Road Runners Club at the Jericho Shrine Temple, Kingsport. The transporting of children to the Shriner's hospitals in Ohio and South Carolina to received free medical care was an encouragement to him to seek donation from businesses and private donors, especially the Shrine newspaper drives. He was a member of Lodge Number 681 of Unicoi and a 32^nd degree Mason, past Worshipful Master and received lifetime status after a 50-year membership.

George had to quit school in the 5^th grade to help support his family through the Great Depression, however, he always admired people with an education, and in 1973 he obtained his GED. In later years he beamed with pride as his daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter graduated from college. He was heard to say, "Wow, all three college educated.. .isn't that something?"

The family will receive friends at Middle District Freewill Baptist Church, Buladean, NC from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on March 15, 2010 with Reverend Burnie Jones and Reverend Steve Miller officiating the service at 7:00PM., Masonic Rites will follow the funeral  conducted by Unicoi Masonic Lodge #681.

Graveside services will be conducted March 16, 2010 at 11:00AM by Reverend

Bernie Jones at Evergreen Cemetery, Erwin, TN.

Pallbearers will be members of his Sunday School Class.

Memorials may be made to the Jericho Shiners' Children's Transportation Fund, 1100 Jericho Drive, Kingsport, TN 37663. This fund is used to transport children to the Shriners hospital.

Henline - Hughes Funeral Home is assisting the Yelton Family.

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