EDINBURG – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is saddened to learn that Walter Yates, a member of the 1963 NAIA National Championship men's basketball team, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 78.
 
Yates' body will lie in repose on Jan. 11 from 10 a.m.-to-6 p.m. at Carl Barnes Funeral Home's Titus & Timothy Cathedral Chapel at 746 West 22^ndSt. in Houston.
 
Visitation will be held on Jan. 12 from 9-to-11 a.m. followed immediately by the funeral at Community of Faith Church at 1024 Pinemont Dr. in Houston.
 
Yates played at legacy institution Pan American College from 1960-64, leading his team to a 79-17 (.823) record and three NAIA Tournament appearances, including two berths in the title game and one championship, over his final three seasons.
 
In 1964-65, Yates coached the newly created freshmen basketball team while completing his Bachelor of Science in Education.
 
After graduation, Yates was hired as a teacher and assistant basketball coach at E.O. Smith Junior High School in Houston before becoming the boys' basketball coach at Jefferson Davis High School. Yates integrated Houston ISD by becoming the first black head coach at Davis, then a predominately white school. He finished his coaching career with a record of 997-326 (.754) at Davis, Madison and Kashmere high schools.
 
Yates was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the 1962-63 men's basketball team in 2007.
 
Yates is survived his wife of 54 years, Mary Louise Yates, his daughter, Alisa Yates Boutte, his son, Walter Yates Jr., and his adopted son, Calvin Rice Sr. He also leaves two brothers, Lee Otis Yates and David Yates, one sister, Gwen Ray, eight grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

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