Bobby was born July 11, 1935, in Noxapater, MS. He was a 1954 graduate of Louisville High School, and a graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in engineering. Bobby worked for Taylor Machine Works in the engineering and the sales departments; and later as national sales manager in the Industrial Engineering Division at Nissan Motor Company. He was a U. S. Army veteran, having served during the Korean conflict. He was a faithful member of Whitehall Methodist Church. Due to failing health, Bobby’s last few years were spent in Cypress Cottage where he enjoying arts and crafts, including painting rocks to share with friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Joan McGahey Yarbrough; his parents, Robert William “Bill” Yarbrough, Sr. and Bettye Merrill Filer Yarbrough; a granddaughter, Lesley Boatner; and a sister, Nancy Yarbrough Donovan.
He is survived by two children, Susan Dempsey (John) of Louisville, and Bob Yarbrough (Kari Yatkowski) of Knoxville, TN; two brothers, Daniel “Moe Yarbough (Peggy) Yarbrough and Jimmy Yarbrough, both of Louisville, MS; four grandchildren, Eric (Angel) Whitehead, Jack Dempsey (Madison Hardage), Hannah Yarbrough, and Haley Yarbrough; and his great grandchildren, Tanner Boatner, Beau Boatner, Lana Boatner, Libby Jo Boatner, Annie Brooke Boatner, Anna Grace Whitehead, and Taylor Luke Whitehead.
Pallbearers will be Eric Whitehead, Jack Dempsey, Tanner Boatner, Beau Boatner, Luke Whitehead, Chuck Eaves, Lenny Boatner, and Steven Yarbrough.
Memorials may be made to the Lesley Boatner Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Susan Dempsey, 79 Welcome Chapel Church Road, Louisville, MS, 39339.