Robert Carol Yarbrough

1929 - 2018

Robert Carol Yarbrough, 88, of Charlotte passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018.

Bob was born on July 10, 1929 in Union, SC to the late Carl and Pauline Yarbrough. His family moved to Charlotte when he was six months old. He was the eighth of nine children and is predeceased by all of his siblings.

A 1948 graduate of the former Thomasboro High School in Charlotte, where he played baseball and served as senior class president, Bob served in the United States Air Force for 35 months during the Korean War, from January 1951 through December 1953.

Bob enjoyed a successful, 42-year career as a pharmaceutical sales and marketing representative. He retired from Geer Drug Company after 27 years of service in 1991. He was named the company's outstanding salesman of the year numerous times throughout his career.

Bob had been a member of Cook's Memorial Presbyterian Church since 1954, the year he married the love of his life, the former Sara Dunn. She survives him. He was named an Honorary Lifetime Member of Cook's in 2008. He was a member of the Long Creek Masonic Lodge for 50 years.

Among his final words to his family, Bob said, "I love everybody." This one simple statement defines his life, how he lived it and who he was to those fortunate enough to share it. Always quick with a wink and a smile, Bob made friends instantly everywhere he went. His family, friends and colleagues will remember him as a kind, caring and compassionate man with a mischievous sense of humor.

Bob was a devoted leader in his church, serving as deacon, elder and elder emeritus over a span of six decades. He also was a Sunday school teacher in the youth department for many years, and a member of the church choir for more than 50 years. He sang in the Shepherds of Song men's choral group for more than 20 years. Music was one of his greatest loves, and he unselfishly shared it with his family and friends. He sang in many weddings of family and friends from the 1950s through the 1980s.

Bob was an avid golfer who played in amateur tournaments throughout various regions of the country. He also was a true-blue UNC Tar Heels fan who enjoyed attending ACC basketball tournaments. In his retirement, he and Sara took many memorable trips across the U.S. and to Canada.

In addition to Sara, his wife of nearly 64 years, Bob is survived by his three beloved children: Christie Bumgardner (Mark) of Concord, Michael Yarbrough of Durham and Connie Stroup (Scott) of Charlotte. Three cherished grandchildren also survive him: Scottie Stroup of Boone, Weslyn Bumgardner of Concord and Dalton Stroup of Boone. Bob also is survived by eight nieces and nephews and dozens of grand- and great-grandnieces and nephews.

The family's appreciation is extended to Bob's caregivers, Willie Mae Cornelius and Mary Frail, who provided wonderful care and comfort for Bob and his family and who in doing so became part of it.

The family will hold a private interment service at Forest Lawn Cemetery. A celebration of Bob's life for extended family and friends will be held on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 11 a.m., at Cook's Memorial Presbyterian Church, 3413 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road, Charlotte, NC 28216-8654.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in Bob's name be made to the church at the aforementioned address.