Dr. Yarbrough (aka PaPa) was the best father-in-law anyone could ever hope to have.  He was also a wonderful father, son, husband, brother, and friend. For him, the most important things in life were family and God.  If any of his family ever needed help, he was there to give it.

Our children spent many summers with PaPa and Grammy after we moved to Texas, and loved visiting them. Many times, they would go on trips in the RV, and come back with great stories about their adventures.  We (Wally and I) never traveled much, so this was such a great opportunity for our children.

Also, I moved to Texas before Wally because I got a job there first.  Dr. Yarbrough and Grammy helped Wally with packing up our house to move to Texas, which was no small feat.  Both PaPa and Grammy came to visit us to help out with getting us situated in our new home. After renting our house out in Alabama, they helped us get rid of tenants that weren't paying the rent.  Before putting our house on the market, they came once again to get the house cleaned up so that we could sell it.  (And that was a big job)

The reason I keep mentioned Grammy along with PaPa, is that they rarely went anywhere without each other...they were a team.

Christmases in Birmingham were magical.  Presents and food were always plentiful.  PaPa and Grammy both loved Christmas, and were always so generous. Their were always special stockings for each grandchild...it was a very special time that I will always remember.

We also went on many vacations planned and paid for by PaPa and Grammy.  We loved going to Gulf Shores, and wouldn't have been able to go if it hadn't been for them. We had so much fun with everyone being there together.  Our children still love going to Gulf Shores on vacation...they have such wonderful memories from their childhood.  

I feel so lucky to have had such a wonderful father-in-law.

My Papa will be missed by a LOT of people. He helped and cared for so many in his life.  I remember one time when He, Grammy, my brother Ray and I were travelling the country in their RV one summer; He had bought me a chocolate milk one morning. We had also got breakfast i believe but i took a sip of the chocolate milk and immediately started to complain hiw it tasted bad and that it tasted like strawberry milk. 
   Well Papa thought i was just being picky and told me i better finish it. 
   So I continued to eat and drink the "strawbrry," chocolate milk. I couldn't get over the taste as chocolate milk should not taste like strawberry. So i kept complaining.  Eventually Grammy said, " well Mully, why don't you try it." 
   Papa grabbed the carton from my hand and quickly took a sip. He immediately turned it around looking for an expiration date and sure enough it was expired. Ill never forget that and wasnt able to drink strawberry milk again until recently. 
   My biggest regret in my whole life was missing those Chistmases and vacations when i was a teenager.  And even up to the day you passed. I didnt come see you enough and now I regret it more than anything. I love and will miss you more than you could ever know. Tell Uncle Kent i love him.

                                                                        Love,  
                                                                        Scott

I have had the privilege of knowing Murray and his wife Betty for several months. He was a wonderful man. He will be missed by so many. I will miss seeing him on Sunday mornings at First Watch restaurant. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

I’m so sorry to hear of Dr Yarborough’s passing. I worked with him as a receptionist at SWC. He was also my doctor. I just loved him so much. He was a good doctor as well as my friend😢💕

I’m really at a loss where to begin.
Dr. Yarborough became my primary doctor in late 60’s. He went beyond all boundaries to make sure my health issues were addressed.
After our move to Hoover we became friends with family and loved them as well.
The strong and beautiful partner he had with Betty is remarkable.
Prayers for the entire Yarborough family in their loss.
Helen and Harold Fisher

I was blessed to know Dr. Yarbrough first as my mother’s doctor and later through Dr. Yarbrough’s son Kent , during  our high school and college years. Many times while in their home Dr. Yarbrough would come
in late,  after I’m sure tireless hours at Simon-Williamson/Princeton Hospital, but would always make a point to chat with me and make me feel like family.  Even visiting with him 20 months ago at his son, Kent’s funeral, he was as loving and personable as he always was and quoted God’s word even during Kent’s service. 
My sincere condolences to Betty, his loving and devoted wife, and the rest of the Yarbrough family. 
Allison Fisher Bell

We were double blessed to know Murray Yarbrough. A neighbor and family friend to my husbands family and an amazing physician to my mother and me. He saw us through many illnesses, some very serious, and always provided the utmost care and concern. 
His humor was a gift as well, and he could always provide a laugh and a lifting of spirit. 
The DC Scivley family lived directly behind the Yarbrough’s which provided a lifetime of memories for them. 
I am thankful to have visited with Murray at Kent’s funeral. Even in his hurt, Murray made sure to share hope, scripture, and provide the plan of salvation to those he spoke with. A remarkable man. 
We are grateful for the friendship with this family and our prayers are filled with thankfulness, as well as petition for comfort for Betty and family during this time. 
Thank you Lord for Murray Yarbrough. 
Don and Teri Scivley

The final night with Dr. Yarbrough, knowing he only had minutes to maybe hours, his wife along with his children surrounded his bed (plus 2 children and several grandchildren via phone) spoke their last words to the patriarch of the family. 

As Andy's mother, draped over his chest whispering to him, he spoke his final words "I love you"

Dr. Yarbrough lived a charmed life and even in death he found the most perfect departure. It was peaceful and full of love.

I was charged to dig thru photos for the memorial service and one particular hit me hard. It was a photo of Dr. Yarbrough and my two parents standing together and smiling. Just the three of them, as if they were saying we are all together now and we are all smiling in Heaven. It was a "We love you" postcard from Heaven itself.

I am blessed and grateful to be a Yarbrough, to be Dr. Yarbrough's daughter by marriage.

The Smith family met the Yarbrough family when both family's moved to Hoover (before there was a Hoover) Alabama.  Over the years they became good friends and tailgated at all the Alabama Football games.  Eventually going to basketball games and even traveling to watch Gymnastics.  I married Gene Smith and got to know Murray and Betty  ~ considering them extended family.  Dr.Murray was so funny! Every story brought us all laughter. To this day we quote him with the saying  "I'm so swoll"...... meaning he ate too much !!  We feel blessed to have known Dr. Murray and send our prayers to Betty and the rest of the Yarbrough family. 
Much love, Gene & Pam Smith

He became my doctor after Dr. Williamson retired and remained with him until he retired.  He was positive, caring and knowledgeable.  I missed him when he left.  SW gives me good care; been with them since ‘63.   I was born in ‘32.  Condolence s to the family.

Always fun to visit - he had a great sense of humor & could make you laugh in sharing just normal conversation.  Loved the man, love the family.  With Jesus now!!  💖

OBITUARY

Dr. Walter "Murray" Yarbrough, III

July 5, 1931 – September 12, 2024

Southern Heritage Funeral Home & Cemetery

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services