By Michael Copley
Staff Writer

Ellwood Floyd (E. Floyd) Yates, a businessman, public servant and a fixture in the community in Powhatan for 83 years, died August 31 at the age of 107.

Mr. Yates moved to Powhatan in 1927 and opened Yates Motor Company. He went on to start an oil company and a lumber business. 

He was on the board of supervisors during the Depression, the county’s draft board during World War II and he served as a substitute judge in the circuit court.

From 1939 until 1952, Mr. Yates represented Powhatan, Chesterfield and Colonial Heights in the House of Delegates, and he served as chairman of the State Democratic Party.

He was a member of the Virginia Game Commission, the Virginia Forestry Association, the Virginia Wildlife Federation and the Virginia Conservation and Economic Development Board. 

In 2003, the House of Delegates passed a resolution naming part of the state park in Powhatan after him.

“He loved his county and his state, and he loved nature,” said Robert Cosby, chairman of the board of supervisors.

“He was a respected southern gentleman and a statesman,” he said. “I can’t say enough great things about him. He was one of the most outstanding men I’ve ever known.”

“The sense of community that is this place starts with people like Mr. Yates,” said Carolyn Bishop, county administrator. “He made you feel good about living here.”

“His passing marks a change in Powhatan. It’s the end of an era,” she said.

“He was always Mr. Yates,” said Mr. Cosby. “He was a cut above.”

Richard Carrier contributed to this report.

Read more about the life of Mr. Yates in For he’s a jolly good fellow… from the February 13, 2008 edition of Powhatan Today.