Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

March 30, 2026

CHARLOTTE – William Yates Hazlehurst, Jr., of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 30, 2026, at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy of craftsmanship, generosity, and love for his family. 

He was born on April 12, 1940, in Columbia, South Carolina, to William Yates Hazlehurst, Sr. and Valeria Brown Hazlehurst. Yates spent many childhood days in the South Carolina Lowcountry, where he developed a lifelong love for the water.  Boating, swimming and crabbing in the marsh became a passion he later shared with his own children and grandchildren.

He attended Clemson University, where he studied architecture, laying the foundation for a distinguished career.  After working as an architect for a development firm, Yates found success on his own, designing and building custom homes, apartment complexes and commercial projects across the Carolinas.  A perfectionist by nature, he pushed those around him to do their best, balancing high expectations with good humor, quick wit and genuine care for others.

Over the years, Yates built homes and created a life for his family in Blowing Rock, Raleigh and Charlotte.  He also designed and built a beloved vacation home in the Lowcountry, where extended family and friends gathered often, continuing the traditions he held dear.  Whether rebuilding motorcycles in his youth, building pinewood derby cars with his boys or growing tomatoes in his home garden, he found joy in staying busy (despite the good-natured complaints he made about all he had to do).  Even in retirement he was rarely idle, often immersed in building small projects that reflected his eye for detail and love of his craft.

A devoted member of Saint Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church, Yates served on the building committee and earned the nickname “The Hammer” for his tenacity and skill in negotiating building contracts and working with subcontractors.  His commitment to his church community reflected his professional expertise, generous spirit and knack for constructive criticism! 

Throughout his life, Yates’ greatest joy was his family.  He delighted in time spent with his grandchildren, to whom he was affectionately known as “YatesPa.”  Beyond his immediate family, he extended his guidance and care to many.  Holidays frequently included a place at the table for friends who he loved and treated like family.  In honor of his late son, Bill, he established a scholarship fund, reflecting both the fulfillment he found in supporting others and his belief that education opens the door to opportunity.

Yates was a natural storyteller, known for his humor and his famous “tall tales”—stories that were often rooted in truth, though perhaps embellished with a bit of his signature flair.  He was quick with a joke and perfected the art of a good punchline. His stories, told time and again, will be among the things his family misses most.

Yates is survived by his loving wife, Sophia Koinis Hazlehurst of Charlotte, NC; his children, John Mikell Hazlehurst (Cheryl) of Lynchburg, VA, Richard Cooper Hazlehurst (MyLy) of Singapore, April Hazlehurst Roberts (David) of Walhalla, SC, Catherine Hazlehurst Whittaker (Jeff) of Charlotte, NC, and Sarah Hazlehurst Poole (Gregory) of Charlotte, NC.  He leaves his cherished grandchildren, April Melissa Rattray (Bill); William Waring Hazlehurst; Emma Paige Roberts and Luke Henry Roberts; Hazel Marion Whittaker, Margot Elizabeth Whittaker, Louise Plaisance Whittaker, and George Waring Whittaker; Yates Michael Poole, Hugh Nicholas Poole, and Vivian Sophia Poole; and great-grandchildren, Caleb Mikell Phillips and Addison Jayne Rattray. 

He is also survived by his sister, Elizabeth Hazlehurst Cantey (late John Manning Cantey III) of Columbia, SC; brother-in-law, Theodore X. Koinis (Pauline) of Pearland, TX; loving nieces and nephews, John Manning Cantey IV (Hunter), Dr. William Hazlehurst Cantey (Carole), Elizabeth Cantey Rhodes (Vincent), Thomas Mikell Cantey (Christina), Anastasia Koinis Milanese (Matthew), James Theodore Koinis (Valerie), and Nicholas Xenophon Koinis; and godparents, Constantine and Bessie Vrettos. 

He was preceded in death by his son, William Yates Hazlehurst, III; his parents; and beloved aunts and uncles. 

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate nurses of Gentiva Hospice, whose care and kindness were a great source of comfort to Yates over the past three years. 

We prayerfully place the soul of Yates in the loving hands of our Risen Lord, God, and Savior, Jesus Christ, where there is no more pain, sorrow, or suffering, but life everlasting. May his memory be eternal.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 6, 2026, at St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will follow at Forest Lawn East Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church, Attn: Building Fund, 5108 Kuykendall Rd, Charlotte, NC 28270 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. 

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.