Neill Yarborough Obituary

Lt Col Neill A.

Yarborough III

BOSSIER CITY, LA - Lt Col Neill A. Yarborough III, 64, passed away Tuesday, April 3, 2012 in Houston, TX after an eight year battle with cancer. Visitation will be Monday, April 9, 2012 at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home starting at 11:00am, with the service starting at 1:00pm; followed by a burial with full military honors at Hill Crest Memorial Park.

Colonel Yarborough was born July 26, 1947 to Neill and "Muggie" Yarborough, life-long residents of Bossier City. As a young boy and "Army Brat," he lived in Germany for three years, as well as on numerous military installations across the United States. A 1965 graduate of Bossier High School, Col. Yarborough attended Northeast Louisiana University, graduating in 1969. He then joined the military and remained on active duty and in the reserves for 24 years, primarily as a Green Beret in Army Special Forces. During his career he served a combat tour in Vietnam, a stint as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, and as a Special Forces A-Team commander at Fort Devens, MA. He was a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College. His military decorations include two awards of the Bronze Star for valor, the Air Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm, and the Combat Infantry Badge.

In the private sector, Neill worked as an International HR Manager in the oil industry. This career ultimately brought him to Houston where for over thirty years he worked for both Santa Fe Drilling and Global Industries. He was recognized as one of the top international oil field recruiting executives in the industry.

Col. Yarborough attended The Foundry Methodist Church in Houston. He was also a member of the Special Forces Association, VFW, and the American Legion. His hobbies included golf, travel, and military history.

He was preceded in death by both his parents. His survivors include his wife of 30 years, Mary Smith Yarborough of Houston; brother, Thomas R. Yarborough of Springfield, VA; and numerous cousins.

The family extends a special thanks to the nurses, doctors, and staff at MD Anderson Cancer Center for their care and support.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Shreveport Times from Apr. 6 to Apr. 8, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Neill Yarborough

7 Entries

Puneet Wahi

May 3, 2012

I knew Neil whilst at Global Industries. Just came to know yesterday of his passing. As an Ex-serviceman as well as co-worker, I offer my final salute to a man of true stature and dignity. Old soldiers never die...they just fade away...My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.

Mirta Herazo

April 12, 2012

I worked with Neill for several years at Global Industries and am sadden to hear of his passing. He truly was a sweatheart of a person. My prayers to his family.

'Lt' Neill Yarborough in bush as Lt of B 2-5th Cav

William B. Page

April 12, 2012

Col Yarborough was my platoon LT in Vietnam with B company 2nd Battalion 5th Cavalry, 1st Cav Div (Airmobile). I credit Col Yarborough with keeping all of those under his command alive in very difficult circumstances. It was only a few years ago, after searching for decades, that I found him again. I was not disappointed as he was still the very honorable and cheerful man I remembered. Even though he was battling cancer. It was facinating to me that he had accomplished so much in his short stay here on earth. And it was sure a pleasure to meet his wife Mary. Both true Americans. We are certainly no better off in this world when friends like LTC Yarborough depart but is it not wonderful to have had the privilege to associate with such people throughout our lives. I look forward to meeting Col Yarborough at what the Calvaryman calls 'Fiddler's Green' sometime in the future. Thinking of you often 'LT'.

Douglas Poteet

April 9, 2012

I worked with Neill for several years at Global and will miss him. What a classy guy he was, and as humble as he could be. I never knew so much about his life in the military.as was written above. We were truly blessed to have men like him protecting us. My prayers are with his family.

Douglas Poteet

Greta Wallace-jones

April 7, 2012

My deepest sympathy in your loss. Prayers are with you

Gipsie & Paul Rodrigues

April 7, 2012

Tom,
We are so sorry to hear of your brother, Neil's death. We know how much both you and Jane love him and will miss him. It is because of the courageous service of Neil and other dedicated men that we enjoy freedom in our country and we mourn with you at this time.

For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud

April 6, 2012

The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to Neill A. Yarborough, III our “Brother-in-Arms”. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Neill. And to Neill it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country during the Vietnam War while serving in the U.S. Army. Neill, you are a true patriot, who served with honor and distinction. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,211 military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Neill's family and loved ones.

Dennis Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

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