David Edmond Yarbrough, age 82 of Epworth, GA, passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024. He was born on May 18, 1941 in Columbus, GA to the late Edmond Cobb Yarbrough and Margaret Talley Brown Yarbrough. David is preceded in death by his wife of twenty-four years, Ruth Barnes Yarbrough and infant sister, Jane Yarbrough.

A lifelong resident of Georgia, David was a 1959 graduate of Sylvan High School in Atlanta. After graduating High School, David served as a firefighter at the Atlanta Airport, before enlisting in the United States Army in 1965 to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot.

After completion of the Warrant Officer Candidate course and Rotary Wing Aircraft qualification, David was assigned to Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division in 1966, where he would serve his country with distinction and honor during a one year tour of duty that saw him earn the Distinguished Flying Cross with "V" Device, the Bronze Star Medal, and 24 Air Medals, one with "V" Device, as well as the Combat Infantryman's Badge. Upon his return from Vietnam, he remained on active duty, serving as a helicopter instructor pilot at Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, GA, until 1969 when he would transition into the Georgia Army National Guard. David remained in National Guard, leaving service with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Three, and after having accumulated more than 3000 flight hours in both rotary wing and fixed wing aircraft, and in addition to the above awards, earning the wings of a Senior Aviator, the Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign, Good Conduct, and National Defense Medals.

After leaving active duty and continuing until his retirement in 1998, he worked as an Air Traffic Controller, earning accolades and commendations for his exceptional leadership, service, and safety record. Due to his service as an Army Aviator and simultaneous service in the National Guard while working with the Federal Aviation Administration, he became a subject matter expert on coordinating and deconflicting military and civilian flight operations and serving as a liaison with all branches of the military.

A man of varied interests and hobbies, he was a lifelong lover of trains and explored that hobby in a variety of ways. He enjoyed model railroading since he was young and was an active member of the Tri-State Model Railroaders in Mineral Bluff, and could often be seen on Saturday mornings at Pete's Place Restaurant at the "Old Farts" table with other club members. His interest in trains weren't limited to the small scale however; he volunteered for years with the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, training and becoming conductor. A lover of animals, David had a myriad of pets over the years, and enjoyed the challenge of beekeeping, rekindling that interest at his home in Epworth and producing a bounty of honey that family and friends are still able to enjoy. A passionate student of history throughout his life, he was an avid reader and student of military history, embracing it at a level above most. He became a living historian of many different eras, to include the French and Indian War, the Civil War, WWII, and most recently, the wild west and cowboy era.

David's true passion however was his love of his family and friends. He truly enjoyed being surrounded by both groups and he was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand when and where he could for both. In 1995 he was blessed to find and marry the woman that would be his absolute true love, and they were blessed to have many years together. He is missed dearly, but the family takes solace in knowing that he has been reunited with his "sunshine" after these last four years without her.

Survivors are sons and daughter-in law, Brian and Leslie Yarbrough of Southern Pines, NC and Mark Yarbrough of Savannah, GA; step-daughters and step-sons-in- law, Danette and Lewis Reagan of Stockbridge, GA and Denise and David Reynolds of Jackson, GA ; grandchildren, Cobb Yarbrough, Christopher Yarbrough, Heather Hooks, Justin Yarbrough and Thomas Yarbrough; step-grandchildren, Joshua and Kandie Reynolds, Caleb and Brittany Reynolds, Ashley and Jeremy Bell, Brittany Basinger, and Rev. Allen and Alex Mills; several great-grandchildren; sister, Kaye Pate of Newnan, GA; brother and sister-in-law, Barry and Anne Yarbrough of Nashville, TN; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Memorial services were conducted on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. from the Blue Ridge Methodist Church with Rev. Sam Hamby officiating. Interment will follow in the GA National Cemetery in Canton, GA on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army. The family received friends at the funeral home on Friday evening, April 12, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations be made to Snack In A Backpack, a local program whose mission is to decrease the burden of childhood hunger in Fannin County by providing food insecure families a weekend and school vacation food assistance program, a program that both he and Ruth enjoyed volunteering with.

Donations may be made at donorbox.org/snackinabackpack-org

Condolences may sent to the family at www.akinscobb.com

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge is in charge of the arrangements.