Percy Yeargan

Dr. Percy Baxter Yeargan, 96, peacefully passed away February 15, 2011, at his home in Highland Hills. Percy attended Howard College (Samford University) in Birmingham, AL where he majored in Education and played football, basketball, and baseball on an athletic scholarship. While at Howard College he met the love of his life, Thelma Brown. After their marriage the couple moved to Alexander City, AL, where Dr. Yeargan taught math and coached all sports he had played in college. In 1953 the family moved to Tuscaloosa, AL, where he achieved a second degree in Accounting. After completion of the Masters and PhD program in Accounting he spent a year at The University of Southern Mississippi, where he taught and simultaneously passed the CPA exam. After returning to UA he taught until 1965. He accepted a position as Department Chairman at the University of Georgia where he also taught until he retired from UGA in 1977. He then moved to Birmingham, AL, where he taught at UAB for another 5 years, then retired to their Lake Martin home in Alexander City, AL. He enjoyed sitting on the front porch of their cabin, playing golf, swimming and boating, and tending his garden and flowers. He and Thelma returned to Athens, GA, in 2004, and lived at Highland Hills Village. They attended Chapelwood UMC where he sang in the choir. Percy was born in Clanton, AL, on October 10 1914. He is survived by his brother, William C. Yeargan (Mary Ann), Birmingham, AL; son, David Baxter Yeargan (Lois), Memphis, TN; his daughter, Terry Yeargan Jackson (Ransom), Athens, GA; 5 grandchildren: Ginny Bunn, Grayson, GA; Meredith Jackson, Athens, GA; Karen Barbieri (Mark), Memphis, TN; Glenn Baxter Yeargan (Tammy), Memphis, TN; Ransom Baxter Jackson (Lara) Athens, GA; 8 great-grandchildren: Trey and Emily Noell; Alison, Paige, and Luke Bunn; Adam and Lauren Barbieri; Carter Glenn Yeargan; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 70+ years, Thelma Brown Yeargan and his parents Luther and Agnes Yeargan. The family will receive friends at a visitation at Lord and Stephens West, Friday, the 18th of February, 5 until 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Chapelwood UMC, the UMC choir or a charity of your choice. The family would like to thank all the staff at Highland Hills for their loving care. A graveside service will be held at Laurel Cemetery in Alexander City, AL on Sunday, February, 20th at 2:30 p.m. (CST) Lord & Stephens Funeral Home West is in charge of arrangements. Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at www.onlineathens.com