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Cale Yarborough Obituary
December 31, 2023
Timmonsville, South Carolina - William Caleb "Cale" Yarborough, 84, died at McLeod Hospice House in Florence, South Carolina, on December 31, 2023, after an extended illness. He died surrounded by his loving wife and daughters.
Cale was born in Sardis, South Carolina, to Julian Caleb Yarborough and Annie Mae Kelley Yarborough. He grew up in the Sardis Community with his younger brothers Jerry and J.C. who survive him.
Cale was a star football player at Timmonsville High School and was offered a football scholarship to Clemson University. It was racing cars that Cale loved more than football and he decided instead to pursue a career in stock car racing. His father, Julian, instilled in Cale a love of flying and fast cars and took him to Darlington to watch the building of the raceway there. He raced in his very first race in a soap box derby at the town square in Darlington. His father died in a plane crash when Cale was eleven years old, but his love of flying and racing did not die with the death of his father.
There are many records detailing Cale's successful career in NASCAR, however, he will be remembered by those closest to him as a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife of nearly 63 years, Betty Jo Thigpen Yarborough, his daughters, Julianne Hucks of Murrells Inlet, Kelley Woody (Anthony) of Columbia, and Betty Jo McSweeney of the home. Cale took great delight in his six grandchildren, Byerly Spann (Jimbo), Julian Wilhelm, Caleb Woody, Katherine Woody, Annie Gray McSweeney, and Will McSweeney. They were thrilled to be great-grandparents to James Spann and Cale Spann.
Cale was predeceased by his father, Julian, his mother, Annie Mae, his stepfather, Vernon Floyd, and his special uncle, Willie James Kelley.
So many family, friends, and caregivers helped "Daddy" during his illness. For fear of neglecting to mention someone particular in this time of grief, please know we know who you are and thank you. In his final days he was especially thankful for the help of McLeod Hospice Home Caregivers and the exceptional care provided to him and his family at McLeod Hospice House.
Services will be private. Thank you for respecting the privacy of his grieving family at this time
You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.laytonandersonfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Cale Yarborough
Leanna pierce
August 9, 2024
I never knew him he was my cousin but I bet he was awesome
Jeff Page
February 6, 2024
As a young boy, Cale became my hero because of his hard charging driving style and larger than life personality. When Cale began racing a limited schedule, he remained my hero because of his dedication to his family. As he aged, I still emained a fan of the man, Cale and continues to recognize him as a great man. When my first son was born, I named him Caleb. I am proud for the family that he has left such a legacy behind and he encourages me still to be a man with such a big heart. What a void he leaves in this earth... but what a "Jewel" heaven has received. My prayers are with the entire Yarborough family. I wish there were a way we could give back to you as much as he has given to us. We love you!
LuAnn
January 7, 2024
He was my favorite driver when my husband introduced me to auto racing.
Nolan J McKinley
January 6, 2024
Gone, but will NEVER be forgotten. A true Legend!
Prayers and strength to the Yarborough family and friends.
Anna J. Yarborough
January 3, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
john earle w.
January 3, 2024
Sweet Jesus. please provide strength and comfort for his family and friends. I saw him racing at many race tracks and the racing cars he built for other drivers. He was always gave his best. He could have really been a winner at Indy if he could have found a long term sponsor. The Darling stripe was his badge of honor.
Debbie Williams
January 2, 2024
AN AWSOME INDIVIDUAL.... LET ALL YOUR MEMORIES BRING YOU SOME COMFORT
HP Benton
January 2, 2024
Growing up in the area, Cale was my favorite race driver.
Met him once and talked to him. Very humble man.
He will be missed by so many. Test well Cale. And thanks for the memories
John Stevens
January 2, 2024
My name is John Stevens of Lancaster , S. C . I spent nearly 20 yrs at Hendrick Motorsport in a full time part time roll mainly with team promotions . I did a Valvoline event at Darlington Raceway for Hendrick several years back with Cale & Dale Jr. During lunch break I got to have a great conversation with Cale , My Dad whom was born in Timmonsville in 1921, the family name was known by Cale . What a great person & racer , truly sorry for your lose . We will keep your family in our prayers.
Kevin McKenzie
January 2, 2024
Shortly after reading Cale's autobiography, my wife and I discovered we were expecting a baby. I told my wife "If it's a boy, I want to name him 'Cale'" because of his integrity and toughness. We did have a boy and did name him Cale.
I know I'm not the only one to do so, but he acted thrilled and humbled when I told him the story. He autographed my book to me and my son.
What a great man and great legacy.
I share in your grief, Yarborough family!
May you feel the comfort of God!
Mike Walkup
January 2, 2024
I lived in the middle of the triangle that is Sardis and would ride my pony around and see that some of Cale's turkeys were out . I'd knock on the trailer door and let him know . He would take my pony to recapture them while Betty Jo would invite me in for sweet tea . I would have loved to represent my family at his funeral .
Mike Walkup
January 2, 2024
As I lived in the middle of Sardis , I remember riding my pony around the triangle that is Sardis and going to Cale's trailer and letting him know some of his turkeys were out . Betty Jo would invite me in for sweet tea while Cale used my pony to round up his turkeys . Also , I fondly remember the trampoline in his yard which he places over a big hole to keep from getting hurt . I would love to be able to represent my family at his funeral .
Caleb Eichler
January 2, 2024
Old Hickory; one of the 75 greatest, and one the most toughest, yet coolest guys NASCAR has ever seen and no one currently in the sport or who will follow the sport in the future will be about to achieve the likeness that Cale portrayed.
It won´t be the same without you here.
Fly High, Mr. C.
Michael Newhard
January 2, 2024
Rest in peace Cale. A great man and a great racer! Your NASCAR family and fans are also grieving. Thanks Cale for the great ride you gave us all behind the wheel!
Larry and Sally Williams
January 2, 2024
Your heart soon will be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Gaines Goodwin
January 1, 2024
Back in the day, we were all pretty close, and I cherish the times we spent with Cale, Betty Jo and the giirls. I'm sure he made it to that last finish line in good order. He was the best!
Kevin Fagan
January 1, 2024
So sorry about Cale,we didn't live far from you.There will never be another.Prayers for your Family.My heart is just broken.
Leonard Goad
January 1, 2024
Watching him race when I was about 12 years old,He was awesome.
Kathy Brandin
January 1, 2024
My daddy was a musician, played at several parties. I also worked for a local pool company, he came in many times. Super nice and always remember who I was. Thoughts and prayers for the family he will be greatly missed.
Kathy Brandin
January 1, 2024
Labor day party
Dave Hicklin
January 1, 2024
Rest in peace Cale.
Condolences to family friends and fans.
Jennifer Kirk
December 31, 2023
Rest in peace greatest Nascar driver in history and he will be missed
Gerald and Diane Baxley
December 31, 2023
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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Layton-Anderson Funeral Home4210 West Palmetto Street, Florence, SC 29501
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