John William Yates, age 82 of Lemon Springs, NC passed away on Monday (3/6/2023) at the SECU Jim and Betsy Bryan UNC Hospice Center surrounded by his family.  He was born in Carteret County, North Carolina on November 2, 1940. He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Carolyn D. Yates. His parents, Claredon Yates and Mona Janet Smith Yates. His brother, Norman Lee Yates. He is survived by his daughter Jennifer Rouse (Doug) of Lemon Springs. Sister JoAnn Burger of Beaufort, NC. Brother, Edgar Yates of Port Royal, VA. He was "Papa" to his wonderful grandchildren John "Dylan" Rouse and Kayla Dawn Rouse. Reading, word searches and watching John Wayne movies were among some of his favorite pastimes. Memorial services will be conducted at10 am Friday March 24, 2023 at the Smith Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Darrell Wood officiating.  Inurnment will be conducted at Gethsemane Memorial Park, Morehead City, NC. Online condolences can be made at www.smithfuneralhomebroadway.com Arrangements are by the Smith Funeral Home of Broadway.