Edward Jenkins Yarbrough

Edward Jenkins Yarbrough passed away May 3, 2023 surrounded by his family.  Ed was born in Clarke County on December 11, 1947 to Eddie Wyatt Yarbrough and Margaret Jenkins Yarbrough.  Growing up in East Point, GA, Ed graduated from College Park High School and attended the University of Georgia, graduating in 1970 with a degree in Business Administration.

Ed began his career in construction with Capitol Construction Company of Atlanta in 1963 at the age of 16, working on notable projects such as Hartsfield International Airport and the Omni Hotel in downtown Atlanta. Moving back to Athens in 1977, Ed started Freeman & Yarbrough Construction Company and went on to build many homes and commercial buildings around Clarke and Oconee Counties. He served as the President of the Athens Area Homebuilders Association (1988-89) and also served on the Oconee County Planning Commission (1989-92).  Ed continued working as a draftsman and homebuilder for the remainder of his life.

Ed is survived by his wife, Debbie Smith Yarbrough; children, Melissa Fox (Damon) of Roseville, CA, Ali Gilliam (John) of Watkinsville, Chris Yarbrough (Jessica) of Monroe, and Megan Troutman (Jared) of Watkinsville; grandchildren, Zoe Gilliam, Levi Gilliam, Emmie Gilliam, Jayden Fox, Kylee Fox, Wyatt Troutman, and Jackson Yarbrough.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation at the Yarbrough home on May 5th from 11:00-1:00.   A graveside service will follow at Watkinsville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the City of Watkinsville Cemetery Fund, PO Box 27, Watkinsville, GA 30677 or to St. Mary’s Hospice House, 1660 Jennings Mill Road, Watkinsville, GA, 30677.

Arrangements by Lord and Stephens, WEST. www.lordandstephens.com