Charles R. Yates (1913-2005) was an Atlanta civic and philanthropic leader, internationally accomplished amateur golfer, and businessman. He was born to Presley Daniel Yates and Julia Richardson Yates. Yates graduated from Boys' High School in Atlanta, Georgia, and he earned a bachelor's degree from Georgia School of Technology. Yates learned to play golf at the East Lake Golf Course and was mentored by Robert Tyre "Bobby" Jones, Jr. He won the Georgia Amateur tournament in 1931 and 1932, the NCAA title in 1934, the Western Amateur in 1935, and most significantly the British Amateur Championship in 1938. He played on two Walker Cup teams (1936 and 1938), captained the 1953 American Walker Cup team, and was named honorary captain in 1985. Yates played at the first iteration of the Augusta National Invitational Tournament held in 1934 at the Augusta National Golf Club. He was the lowest scoring amateur that year and four more times during his amateur golfing career, which concluded in 1942 after entering military service during World War II. Yates continued his association with the Augusta National Golf Club the rest of his life, serving as secretary for many years. He received the United States Golf Association's Bob Jones Award in 1980 for his contributions to the game of golf and in recognition of his "distinguished sportsmanship."

During World War II Yates served in the Navy as a lieutenant on the destroyer, USS Mayo. He married Dorothy Malone on May 22, 1944 and they had four children. Yates served in leadership positions on the boards of the Metro Atlanta YMCA, the Atlanta Symphony, and the Georgia Tech Foundation, among other organizations. He received awards for his civic contributions including the Distinguished Service Award from the Georgia Institute of Technology, the 11Alive Community Service Governor's Award; and an honorary doctorate degree from Emory University. Yates' business career included positions with the First National Bank of Atlanta (1935-1947), Joshua L. Baily & Co. (1947-1960), and finally with the Seaboard Coast Line and Louisville and Nashville Railroads (1960-1973). After retiring at age 60, Yates became the first president of the Atlanta Arts Alliance, where he spearheaded extensive fundraising campaigns for the 13 million dollar Atlanta Memorial Arts Center.