Union – Barry Cordell Yates, 83, passed away in his home in Union on Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023, after an unexpected and short illness.
Survivors are his wife of 50 years, Laurine C. Yates, and three sons, Jeff Enslin and Jennifer, and four grandchildren, Matthew, Jeremy, Charlee, and Dexter; Myles Yates and Pamela and grandson Daniil; and Daryl Yates and Katherine and two grandchildren, Ember and Orion. He also has a brother, Louis Bradford Yates and wife Jean. He has a nephew Brandon and wife Trish with three children and a niece Noel, with two children.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Lois Pilla and his brother, Bruce Yates.
Barry was born in Philadelphia, PA. His father, Louis, and his mother, Evelyn came to Charleston, WV, during WW II and his father worked in a hospital there as a physician. They brought Barry and two siblings with them. They returned to Philadelphia after several years in WV. Barry followed his father’s footsteps and became a doctor and specialized in Psychiatry. After marrying Laurine, they decided to move to WV as Barry had such fond memories of WV and they began to explore the state and found they loved everything about it. They settled in the Greenbrier Valley and have lived and worked there for 47 years.
Barry loved his family life. He was a devoted father, protective and loving. He was greatly loved by his wife and children. He treasured his farm and loved being on the land. He also cared deeply for his patients and enjoyed working in various settings throughout the Greenbrier Valley, including private practice in Fairlea.
Barry was an independent thinker and loved the creative arts. He supported all the arts; literary, musical, visual, and attended concerts and programs as much as possible. He wrote in a journal, and also created large paintings throughout his life; he loved jazz and alternative music and tried to help other artists when he could. He has had some of his paintings hanging in the Wild Bean during recent years.
He will be sorely missed by a loving family and friends. Only the outpouring of love and caring from friends and family have made this difficult time bearable. Many thanks to all of you. There will be a remembrance program sometime in the future. If you wish to make a donation to something, please give to Carnegie Hall. Thank you.
