Obituary of MSG Elliott Yoder

Graveside services honoring the memory of MSG Ray E. Yoder, retired, 79, of Columbia will be held Friday, September 7, 2012 at 1pm at Fort Jackson National Cemetery. Reverend Roy Arnold will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorials be made to Alzheimer?s Association, SC Chapter, 3223 Sunset Blvd., Suite 100, West Columbia, SC 29169. Greenlawn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Born in Lincoln County, NC he was the son of the late Robert Clayton Yoder and Annie Mae Elmore. Mr. Yoder grew up in Crouse, NC where he played high school football and represented the team as a Shrine Bowl Player for the State of NC. He proudly served his country in the US Army for over 27 years that included 2 tours in Vietnam. He received several medals of commendation: National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (1st OLC), Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Silver Service Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal with DVC 60, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Drivers Badge and Good Conduct Award (7th AWD). He was a member of Kilbourne Park Baptist Church. Mr. Yoder is survived by his lifelong sweetheart and wife of 58 years Virginia W. Yoder; daughters; Cyndi Yoder Nance and her husband, Francis of Virginia Beach, VA, Wynn A. Fleming and her husband Bill of Columbia, SC; brother, Bill Yoder and his wife Wennie of Crouse, NC; grandsons, Graham Young and his wife, Neel, Elliott Young; granddaughter, Allison Fleming; great-granddaughters Carrie and Hayes Young. He was predeceased in death by his brothers, Les and Jack Yoder. The family would like to thank all of the caregivers at CM Tucker Jr. Nursing Care Center, Stone Building, Ward 124 for their loving care and support.