Obituary Luther Wendell Yates, affectionally known as "Slim" was born March 9, 1932 in Lydia, SC to the late Jacob Yates and Mabell Capers-Yates.Luther was educated in public schools of Lee County and attended Dennis High School in Bishopville, SC. In 1951, Luther enlisted in the United States Army and served until 1953, where he received an honorable discharge.After serving his country, Luther relocated to Brooklyn, NY with his former wife and friend, Mable. Luther worked for the New York City Transit Authority for twenty years as a bus driver. During this time he received recognition for safe driving.Luther enjoyed playing baseball and one of his favorite past times was fishing. Luther was known as a protector of his children in his neighborhood. He became an avid card and checker player with his friends on Dewey Place. Luther had a love for desserts and sweets and was known for his snoring.Upon his retirement from the New York Transit Authority, He returned to Bishopville, SC and became a lifetime member of the NAACP.Luther accepted Christ as his personal Savior and joined the Mechanicsville United Methodist Church, where he attended until his health declined.In 2002, Luther "Slim" married Amy Wilson. The two of them enjoyed spending time together. They also spent time with family and friends creating and sharing special moments.Luther was a proud man and took pride in his Cadillac Automobile.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Evelina (Mae) Scarborough, Elijah (Boy) Yates, Booker T. (Judge) Yates, Pauline Yates and Rosa Lee (Tiny) Arthur.Luther Wendell "Slim" Yates departed this life on Friday, April 19, 2019 at his home in Sumter, SC.Luther leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Amy H. Yates; his children, Naomi Price, Robert Holloman, Willie "Ricky" Yates, Devra Yates-Stepney, Lynette Yates, Yvonne Yates (Eric), Ronald (Natorsha) Yates, Jamel (Comaletha) Yates; extended family, Tyrone (Otilia) Holloman, Eldred Holloman, Belinda Campbell (John), Lonell Holloman and Ilene Oluwole (Arthur); grandchildren, great grandchildren; sister, Estelle "Carrie" Morgan and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.  Public Viewing 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm Thursday, April 25, 2019 Whites Mortuary LLC 517 N Guignard Drive Sumter, South Carolina, United States 29150 Celebration of Life 11:00 am Friday, April 26, 2019 Mechanicsville United Methodist Church 184 Lake Ashwood Road Sumter, South Carolina, United States 29153 Interment Service Fort Jackson National Cemetery 4107 Percival Road Columbia, South Carolina, United States 29229 To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Luther Wendell ""Slim"" Yates, please visit our floral store.