Russell Grady Yarbrough passed peacefully on January 18, 2024, at Caring for Life’s Hospice Family Care inpatient facility after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer. He was 59 years old.
He was born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama. His high school years were spent in Hazel Green where he graduated in 1983. He then moved away for a short period to live in Indialantic and Palm Bay, FL Greensboro, SC, and then finally re-settled back in Huntsville.
Russ was a courier for 17 years with Airborne Express which was acquired by DHL. He later established his own business “Russell and Sons” where he ventured into mobile mechanics and residential lawn care. In more recent years, he worked as a General Manager at CroWee Auto Repair.
Russ loved the outdoors and sports. In his early years, he played football, and baseball, and was a fan of UAH hockey and the Huntsville Speedway. Over time, his sportsman spirit led him into softball, fishing, scuba diving paintballing, camping, and becoming a gun enthusiast.
He was also known for his culinary skills and enjoyed grilling outdoors. Russ was a true lover of old Southern recipes and his family often tried to coax him into sharing his recipe for turnip greens, but to no avail.
Never one to refuse a card or board game, Russ enjoyed teaching these to his grandsons. He was the Uno super champion, but he also challenged his grandsons with a good game of Chess.
Anyone who knew Russ for very long also learned of his love of his dogs. The phrase a boy and his dog was never more true than when describing Russ’ devotion to the dogs he had in his lifetime. He was a natural at teaching them commands. But of all the things Russ loved in life, his love for his grandsons was unmatched. He wanted everyone to know that they were his number one and he was proud of who they were. He delighted in planning special trips to take his grandsons to see Haley’s comet, and the eclipse, and to Florida to see the gulf and beaches. It was important to him to create these special memories for Russell and Tyler.
Russ will forever be remembered for his sensitivity, his love of people, his helping his friends, his humor, his honesty, and of course those sparkling blue eyes. He never met a stranger and was a friend to all he met. His motto was “Friends are family we choose”. And as one dear friend said, he left his thumbprint on many.
Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Billy E. Yarbrough and Katherine Threet Yarbrough. He is survived by his sons, Russell G. Yarbrough II and Joshua A. Yarbrough, and two grandsons Russell G. Yarbrough III and Tyler A. Yarbrough, his step-mother Shirley C. Yarbrough, two sisters, Helen E. Yarbrough and Sandra Y. Bell (Scotte), as well as his nephews, niece, grand-nephews, and grand-nieces, and his beloved dog Arlo.
A celebration of life event to commemorate Russell will be held on May 11, 2024, near his birthdate.
Memorial contributions in remembrance of Russell may be made to his grandsons Russell’s and Tyler’s education fund on GoFundMe page in loving memory of Russell G. Yarbrough.
His family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and thanks to those loving and supportive caretakers throughout his journey: Kristen, Jasmine, Destiny, Teresa, Kristina, Ivy, Dr. Hari, Angel, Vivian, Courtney, Mistie, Jensen, Jennifer, Lakyn, Ruth, Kristy, Amy, Kelly, Kristen, Laura, Leah, Lisa, Nicole, Rebecca, Dr. Pavlic, Dr. Smelser, Dr. Siddiqui, Dr. Raj, as well as many other doctors and medical staff including the wonderful staff at Hospice. These hold a special place in their hearts.
Hazel Green Funeral Home is honored to have served the family.
