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Yates Selected as County Commissioner Candidate; Replaces Tim Wilson after Withdrawal Last Week

By Paul T. Choate

Perry Yates

March 30, 2012. On Thursday, March 29, the Watauga County Republican Party met for their monthly meeting. The primary topic of discussion was selecting a replacement candidate after Tim Wilson withdrew last week. Perry Yates was chosen as the new candidate.

According to Thomas Adams, vice chairman of the Watauga County Republican Party, all the potential candidates talked amongst themselves and made the decision. He said the selection of Yates was a unanimous decision.

“Perry was probably a bit more up to speed [on local issues] than some of the other folks who were interested,” said Adams.

The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 6 and one-stop voting begins Thursday, Oct. 18.

For more information, visit the Watauga County Board of Elections website.

About Perry Yates

Mr. Yates comes from a family deeply rooted in Watauga County history, he is the son of Henry and Dorothy Yates of the Shawneehaw District. 

Born in Boone on December 26, 1962, Yates attended Valle Crucis Elementary and Watauga High School where he played football, basketball and baseball for the Pioneers. After graduation from WHS, Perry attended Appalachian State University graduating in December ’84 with a degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Business Administration. Perry became a Licensed Contractor in 1986. 

During his high school and college years, continuing into his young adult life, Perry worked alongside his father in the family-owned drywall finishing business and working the family farm, which is still operating today. 

After graduation from ASU, he worked with the NC Prison System first as a Correctional Officer then promoted to Program Supervisor. He then accepted a position with Pioneer Lumber Company in 1986, working his way from the yard to General Manager. In 1993, Perry joined New River Building Supply as General Manager when the two businesses merged. During that time Perry has become an owner in this small business.

Perry has been active in his community working for his church, Greenway Baptist, as a member, Sunday School teacher and Deacon. He has also worked in the community as a softball coach for the Watauga Parks and Recreation Department, coaching his team and selected as the Little League All-Star coach. Perry also spent several years as a coach for the Watauga Storm Softball teams.

Politically, Perry has been involved from his youth – most recently serving as the Precinct Chair for Boone 3.

Perry has been married to Anne-Marie Yates also from Boone since 1984 and has 5 daughters, Lindsay, Misty, Wendy, Hannah and Caroline.