Harris Oliver Yates, 78, of Brentwood, Tenn., passed away Jan. 24, 2013.

A native of Paducah, Dr. Yates was a Biologist at Lipscomb University, Vanderbilt, Belmont, Aquinas, John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science, Langford/Yates Distinguished Professor Biology, President emeritus of NICM, initiator of effort to save Radnor Lake as State of Tennessee’s first Natural Area, a founder of AGAPE, leadership Role in building church in Glenrothes, Scotland, former elder of Harpeth Hills Church of Christ and Nashville Inner City Church of Christ.

Dr. Yates was preceded in death by parents, Harry and Isabel Yates, and former wife, Betty Sue Watkins Yates, who passed away in 1998. Dr. Yates is survived by his wife, Betty B. Yates; daughters, Cindy (Larry) Hunt, Jana (Steve) Shelton, Melodie (Rick) Ellison, and step-daughter, Heather (Josh) Tiffany; grandchildren, Chelsea (Michael) Lanier, Camie Hunt, Camille Wornock, Morgan and Jake Ellison; and a sister, Judy Green Atkins of Benton.

Family and friends will gather for a visitation the afternoon and evening of Sunday, January 27, 2013, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. in the chapel of the Ezell Center at Lipscomb University.

Private graveside services will be at Woodlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of customary floral tributes, memorials may be made to the Yates Family Endowment of Lipscomb University; or Friends of Radnor Lake. Woodlawn Roesch-Patton Funeral Home and Memorial Park in charge of arrangements.

Local condolences to Dr. Yates’ sister, Judy Green Atkins, may be sent to: Filbeck-Cann & King Funeral Home at www.filbeckcannking.com.