Roger Eric Yarbrough

Roger Eric Yarbrough, 70, of Burlington died on May 7, 2019 from complications of Prostate Cancer. He was born in Lincolnton, NC to Moses Gilbert Yarbrough and Elsie Lee Helms. Roger was Valedictorian of his graduating class at Lincolnton High School in 1967. He was a National Merit Scholarship Finalist and attended UNC Chapel Hill as an English Major. While away at college, he met his wife of 47 years, Patricia King Yarbrough.

Roger proudly served his country as a Communication Technician in the US NAVY. During the Vietnam War, he studied Russian in order to work as part of a Special Intelligence Group stationed in Edzell, Scotland. When the war ended, Roger and his wife Patricia decided to make her hometown of Burlington, NC their home base.

Roger obtained a Degree in Graphics Art from Alamance Community College. Over the next 30 plus years, Roger would commute to RTP, working as contractor for the Environmental Protection Agency. His artistic talents brought important projects such as the EPA's Healthy Watersheds Protection website to life. During his career with the EPA, Roger designed many learning activities for children in grades K-12.

In his retirement, Roger enjoyed traveling the world with his family and found himself drawn to beaches and beautiful bodies of water. When home, he spent his time hiking, gardening, painting and solving crossword puzzles. He most enjoyed time spent with his wife, children and grandchildren.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Patricia King Yarbrough; a son David Yarbrough and his wife Maya of Cary; a daughter Rebecca May and her husband Brandon of Gibsonville. He also leaves three grandsons, Grant Lynn, Alexander Yarbrough and Jake May. He is also survived by his mother Elsie Yarbrough, his brother Mark Yarbrough and sister in law Brenda Graves. He also leaves his nieces Cathi Renner, Andrea Sydnor, Jenny O'Neill and his nephew Jeff Graves.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be conducted at the Rich & Thompson Funeral Home in Burlington on Saturday, May 11, 2019 from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. Military Honors will be presented at 2:45 p.m. A time of sharing memories will follow.

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