Bob joined the firm in 2007 as a funeral assistant. He grew up in Columbus, Ohio before returning to his hometown of Kingsport, where he has spent most of his adult life. He and his wife Shirley Hammonds Yates have been married for 37 years and have two sons and daughters-in-law and five grandchildren. Bob received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Bristol University, graduating Summa Cum Laude, graduated from Global University for Ministerial Studies, is an ordained minister with 30 years experience and serves as Senior Pastor of Living Praise Church in Kingsport. Bob is also a Board Certified Pastoral Councelor with the International Board of Christian Counselors. He is a Vietnam Era Veteran of the USAF, serving as an Air Traffic Controller from 1971 to 1975.