07/12/2024
As the Texarkana Regional Airport continues its expansion with a new terminal, let us remember Brother Jim E Yates.
Jimmy Earl Yates (1941-1998) was born in Howe, Oklahoma. At the age of 13, he began his career at a local supermarket, eventually graduating to a national supermarket chain and becoming its manager. Brother Yates eventually became a Master Mason at Ashdown Masonic Lodge No. 581 in 1965.
He noticed that the Convenience Stores of larger cities were fairly popular, and endeavored to develop them in small towns as well with his wife FaEllen, leading to a 7-Eleven in Ashdown, Arkansas. Several years later, he created what would soon be one of the largest privately-owned convenience store chains in the nation: EZ-Mart.
Brother Yates also served on the board of the National Association of Convenience Stores, Wadley Regional Medical Center, Perot Theater, Easterseals, and Temple Memorial Rehabilitation Center. An avid aviator, he was appointed to the Arkansas Aviation Aerospace Commission.
Jimmy Earl Yates continued to service his community until his passing in 1998. He was a deeply devoted husband, father, and Mason.
