R. Sam Yarborough, Jr. ’45

R. Sam Yarborough, Jr. ’45 of Albany, Ga., died February 1, 2007. He spent two years at Davidson College before he enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he served for three and a half years. He was stationed in Okinawa when WWII ended. After discharge he attended Georgia Tech and later graduated with honors. Upon graduation he returned to Albany where he worked with Albany Concrete Company and Joe Brashears Steel Company, where he retired after twenty-eight years as executive vice president. Sam came out of retirement to work with the State of Georgia as the on-site engineer of state jobs in Albany, Americus, and Tifton. While at Georgia Tech he married Betty Jane Garvey and together they raised four sons. He was a charter and current member of Porterfield Memorial United Methodist Church. He was the first Sunday School superintendent and a deacon in the church. Since retirement he served as a member of the “fix-it” department, helping those who have needs in the church. He was a member of the Lion’s Club for fifty-six years and the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award as well as serving as president for several years. He was the president emeritus of Mended Hearts and was very involved with Habitat for Humanity, serving on their local board. He also received the Service to Mankind award from the Sertoma Club. He is survived by sons Robert Samuel III (Colleen) of Florida, Rayburn Norbert (LaDonna) of Tennessee, Joseph Berney of Albany, Michael Webb (Diane) of Albany; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; brother Thomas Stokes (Louise) Yarborough ’46 of Albany and sister Leah Yarborough (Ridley) Monk of Sylvester, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jane.