Robert "Bobby" Stanley Yates

Robert "Bobby" Stanley Yates - July 1, 1940 June 20, 2015 Bobby was born in the swamps of Florida (Fellsmere) and raised in the shadow of the space shuttle, near Cape Canaveral in Melbourne, FL to Vollie Yates Kline and Willard William Yates, the fourth of seven children. Bobbie is predeceased by his mother and father. He will be greatly missed by his loving family: siblings, Dell Canada, Johnny (Beulah) Yates, Junior Yates, Jerry Yates, Mitchell (Annette) Yates and Dottie Smith; children, Bobby Yates, Jr., Gail Gagnon, Joe (Donyl) Yates, Juli (Loren) Sumner and Amanda Yates (grand); grandchildren, Justin Yates, Jenna Yates, Patrick Perkins, Adrienne Perkins, Kayla Cope, Andy Gagnon, Peyton Yates and Jessica Sumner; and 5 great-grandchildren. Bobby's first love was country music, having his own radio show as young as 12 years old. He also served in the Marines 1957-1960. He moved to Punta Gorda in the late 1960s and was a part of the group that developed Punta Gorda Isles. He later went into business for himself as a surveyor. He also opened a scrap metal business and video store as well as a street sign business. Bobby never lost sight of his first love however. He recorded several albums with Hank Williams original Drifting Cowboys band. This was the highlight of his career and he became great friends with these musicians. He also played at some local venues of which he spoke fondly. In 2011 he was inducted into the Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame and given a plaque for this recognition. Bobby loved this town and this area. He spent many hours on his boat or waist deep in water, fishing off the coast. He often joked, if it were below 70 degrees, it was too cold for him, rarely leaving SW FL for that reason. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Tidewell Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Tidewell Hospice in memory of Bobby Yates.