Joshua Evan Yates

Mr. Joshua "Josh" Evan Yates

Aiken, SC-- With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Joshua Evan Yates, who left us on June 16, 2026 at the age of 28. To know Joshua was to know generosity, empathy, humor, and a deep love for family and friends.

Born in Nashua, NH, Joshua built a life filled with meaningful relationships, hard work, and simple joys. Whether it was talking with friends, enjoying our cat’s antics, or creating and sharing art from his tablet, Joshua exhibited a level of maturity and intelligence beyond his years, Joshua made an impact that will not be forgotten.

Joshua graduated Magna cum laude from Silver Bluff High School with a GPA of 3.86 in 2016. He was in his 4th year at the University of South Carolina Aiken majoring in computer sciences. Joshua was awarded the Life Scholarship from South Carolina. He also was awarded the Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness 2016 High School Essay Contest scholarship.

Joshua was involved with several local community organizations.

He was a co-founder of the local technology skills advocacy and teaching organization, the “Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) Young Makers” with the Clubhou.se, an Augusta, GA-based startup incubator and makerspace

He was a member of the winning college team in the 2017 Spring Palmetto Cyber Defense Competition statewide championship event.

Joshua worked part time in the Computer Security Department at USC Aiken while pursuing a computer science degree.

Joshua is survived by his parents, Douglas and Lillian Yates, who will carry forward his legacy of love and resilience. Joshua is also survived by aunts, uncles and cousins in California, Arizona, Massachusetts, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Virginia.

A celebration of life service will be held Thursday  June 25th, 12PM at Cole Funeral Home Chapel 1544 University Parkway, Aiken SC. Friends and family are invited to attend and share memories. COLE FUNERAL HOME 1544 UNIVERSITY PARKWAY (118 BY PASS) AIKEN, SC 29801. 803-648-7175. Please sign the online registry at www.colefuneralhomeinc.com.