Jerry Dewayne Yates, 53 years, 1 month and 9 days, of Sissonville departed this life June 25, 2015. Jerry passed away at CAMC Memorial Division, from complications of surgery.

Jerry was born in Charleston on May 16, 1962. Jerry was born into a family that he was from at the age of three because of deplorable conditions. By the grace of God, he sent James and Garnett Yates to rescue this little boy. They later adopted Jerry as their own and from that day on he was raised as a Yates. Anyone who has ever met Garnett Yates will tell you she has a love for her boys that is incomparable to none. Garnett will also tell you that she fell in love with Jerry the first time she saw those big baby blue eyes and she didn''t have a second thought of making him her son.

Jerry married the love of his life and soul mate, Tereasa Staats Yates in Catlettsburg, KY on July 22, 1996. Thiers was an instant love and they married only six weeks after meeting. Anyone who has ever gotten to know Jerry knows his life hasn''t always been easy, but he always tried to make the best of things. Known as "Uncle Buck" to his nieces and nephews and "Jethro" to his buddies, Jerry may not have always shown his feelings, but he truly loved his family and friends.

Jerry graduated from Poca High School and was proud to be a Dot. Jerry wore many hats over the years working as a paralegal, owning his own body shop, computer technician and working on gas wells. Jerry enjoyed collecting Hotwheels and had a special love for his animals. In 2009, Jerry was inducted into the first class of the Diecast Hall of Fame and was the first recipient of the Random Act of Kindness Award.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, James Yates; biological siblings, Eric Rhodes, Sheryl Rhodes and Ronnie Westfall. Jerry is survived by his wife, Tereasa Yates of Sissonville; mother, Garnett Hoffman Yates of Poca; brother, Tim Yates (Molly) of Poca; biological brother, Dennis Westfall (Kelly) of Poca; father and mother-in-law, Jimmie and Sharon Staats of Sandyville; brother-in-law, Terry Staats of Sandyville; nieces, Danya Morgan, Rachel Yates, Jessica Westfall and Kelsey Westfall; nephews, David Yates, Jack Murphy and Colt Muncie; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

A special thank you to Dr. Al-Asadi and the incredible nursing staff of SICU at Memorial Hospital. Your kindness, prayers and hugs will not go unforgotten and may God bless each and every one of you.

Service will be 1pm Sunday, June 28 at Long & Fisher Funeral Home, Sissonville. Burial will follow in Independence Cemetery, Sandyville.

A gathering of family and friends will be 6-9pm Saturday at the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.longfisherfuneralhome.com.