Richard Dwight Yelton Jr.

Richard Yelton, 52, of Avondale Estates, Georgia, passed away December 16, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family. Rich was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma in April 2022. Rich is survived by his wife, Adela and sons, Michael, Christian and Ryan, his proud parents Richard and Dee Dee Yelton, sister Sherri and nieces, Kailee and Kourtney.

Rich was born and raised in Cincinnati. He attended St. Xavier High School before earning his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Dayton. He later received his Master of Taxation from Georgia State University, where his academic and technical competence earned him the top tax award.

Rich met the love of his life, Adela, while they were working together at KPMG. It was love at first sight, marking the beginning of a beautiful love story that led to marriage and building a family. Rich and Adela recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.

Rich was a principal at accounting firm, Windham Brannon, since 1997 and led the tax practice for the last five years. His leadership, work ethic and meticulous and thoughtful approach to work created a fun, caring, and engaging workplace, earning the respect of colleagues and clients.

Rich was dedicated to his family, church, and community. He was kind, quiet, and caring. His patience and grace were evident as he raised three sons, supporting their efforts in sports, music, and art. He was a beloved husband, father and son - an outstanding role model to those who knew him. Rich also contributed to the community through his unwavering support and dedication to Adela when she served as a founding board member of The Museum School and as a commissioner of Avondale Estates.

Basketball was important in Rich's life, both as the son of a talented basketball player and as a father to two varsity team basketball players at St. Pius X Catholic High School. He appreciated art, especially the creativity and talent of his son and visual artist, Michael. He enjoyed time with friends and playing Dungeons and Dragons as his character Rokk, the Barbarian. Rich was a principled and disciplined person and a man of few words - but the words he shared were meaningful and he strove to make the most of each moment.

Bourbon and the Kentucky Derby were things Rich liked. And, like the winning horse, Rich Strike, Rich beat the odds to enjoy 18 months of life following his diagnosis. During this time, Rich prioritized quality time with family, visiting Florida and Puerto Rico beaches, attending concerts, and listening to his favorite music - Jimmy Buffet and James Taylor. He cherished the beautiful lake and mountain views at the family condo near Lake Hartwell, watching football and rooting for both the Falcons and Bengals.

A funeral Mass will be held Friday, December 22nd at 11 AM at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 2855 Briarcliff Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, in memory of Richard Yelton. Worldwide Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) Day is February 15, 2024, a day upon which Rich and Adela requested and received gubernatorial approval for a proclamation in Georgia to raise awareness for CCA.