CPO/SWC
Gilbert Ray Yeatman was born on December, 9, 1932 in Tuscaloosa to John Claude and Dovie Yeatman. Rev. Yeatman was preceded in death by his first wife, Bobbie Jean Yeatman; second wife, Ruby Leonard Yeatman; and sons, Roy Yeatman and Ray Yeatman.
He is survived by his daughter, Teressa Lynn Rudder; grandchildren, Jon Hugh Rudder, Jason Yeatman, and Shellie; and great-grandchildren, Dalton, Cole, and Katie.
He dedicated his life to the Lord at age 13. Ray graduated from Tuscaloosa High School in 1951.
Right after graduating high school he deployed in the National Guard. After his time in National Guard, he applied and joined the recently created Special Forces, more commonly known as the Green Berets.
Ray served as a Chief Petty Officer in the Seabees in two tours of duty from 1967 to 1969. The Seabees were construction battalions that were responsible for building the civil and military infrastructures for America during the Vietnam war. Ray would work 16 hour days managing and helping build everything from roads, barracks, and even houses for the local Vietnamese civilian populations.
In 1952 he married Bobby Jean Williams and had twin boys, Ray and Roy a year later. Teressa Lynn was born in 1959. He was happily married to Bobby until she passed in 2005. He met and married Ruby Montgomery Leonard in 2006. They were together until she passed in 2020.
He started out a member of Alberta Methodist Church and was a long time member of the Southside Nazarene Church.
He retired from B.F. Goodrich, where co-workers affectionately called him “Rabbi,” in 1973.
He was an active member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 301, VFW Post 6022and the American Legion Post 123. The Yeatmans have been involved in distributing Christmas baskets to needy and disabled veterans for about 30 years. Baskets were not just for one meal, but staples to sustain themselves.
Ray loved to go dancing two and three times a week at the Northport Community Center and the Fireman’s Lodge. He could rumba, Texas Two Step and waltz with the best. He really enjoyed visiting with all that came to the dances.
Ray lived his life to the fullest. His achievements are immeasurable, and many of his life’s lessons have been hard. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to Vietnam Vets of America Chapter 301, PO Box 2492 Tuscaloosa, Ala. 35401.
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