Bill Dean Yarbrough

Billy Dean (Bill) Yarbrough was born in Abilene, TX to John Virgil and Neta Alene (Foster) Yarbrough. He left this life July 18, 2009 at the age of 76. Bill graduated from Green Forest High School in 1950. He was president of his senior class. In 1953 he joined the Army and served until 1955. He was assigned to a radar defense unit on Montauk Point, Long Island, NY. While there, he was honored by his unit for special accomplishments and was named Battalion Soldier of the Month for December 1954. After his discharge, Bill attended the University of Arkansas, graduating in 1959 in the top 10 percent of his class with a degree in electrical engineering. He was a member of Eta Kappa Nu engineering fraternity, during this time, he married Lilyenne Joyce Craycraft. After graduation, he was employed by McDonald Aircraft Corporation in St. Louis, MO as a engineer assigned to the Mercury and Gemini space programs. In 1962 Bill decided that he had had enough of the high pressure life of the space program. So, he and Joyce moved back to Green Forest to establish Yarbroughs Refrigeration and Electrical Service in partnership with his father. He remained full-time in this business until 2007. Bill became very active in community affairs. The organizations are listed below: President of GFH Alumni Association, Member of Chamber of Commerce (President 1978) (Man of the Year 1978), Volunteer Fire Department for 27 years (Firefighter of the Year 1987), Co-President of the PTA with Joyce, Boy Scout assistant leader and leader (Master) for 10 years, Member of the Planning and Zoning Commission for 3 years, Board member of the Office of Human Concern---Area Agency of Aging, covering a 3 county area and representing the senior citizens of Carroll County. Member of the American Legion (past adjutant and chaplain), Life member of the National Rifle Association, Active member of Green Forest United Methodist Church where he served on the following boards____ Board of Trustees, Missions, Evangelism and Education. Bill had also been a member of the church choir, taught a Sunday School Class, served on various other committees and was President of United Methodist Men (Charter Member). He will be remembered by his church family for his smile and warm hugs, which he generously shared with those around him. Bill is survived by his wife, Joyce, of Green Forest; a son, Brett, daughter Candace and husband Brian Scheller, all of Berryville; 2 sisters, Alene McDaniel of Brownwood, TX and Ann and husband Ray Mayberry of Tulsa, OK; one brother, Ray Yarbrough, of Springfield, MO; step grandson Jacob Hawkins of Berryville; adopted daughter Joy and husband Jerry Fultz of Green Forest, and two special young men who called him PaPa Bill , Austin McAllister and Morgan Alvarado and many other relatives and friends. Interment will be in Glenwood Cemetery.