Charles City native turns 106

E. Floyd Yates, a Charles City County native, celebrated his 106th birthday on March 18.

He was born in Charles City in 1903. He moved to Ellerson in Hanover County in 1922 where he lived until he moved to Powhatan Courthouse in 1927.

He became a Master Mason at Washington & Henry Lodge No. 344 in August 1923, and was elected Junior Deacon in December 1927. He advanced each year until he was elected Worshipful Master on Dec. 14, 1931.

Of note is that he commuted for over five years from his home in Powhatan to Washington & Henry Lodge to fulfill his elected duties, attending all lodge functions during a time of unpaved roads and limited transportation routes.

His photo aired on March 19 on the NBC Today Show with weatherman Willard Scott.