Edwin Search Yarbrough, III

Edwin Search Yarbrough, III of Durham, North Carolina died peacefully at home on Sunday, April 28, in the loving embrace of his family.  He was 76. After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, he fought a courageous battle while living life with astonishing energy. He was a lover for life and an inspiration to all.

Born to the late Edwin Search Yarbrough, Jr and Doreen Johnson Yarbrough, Edwin grew up in Durham, North Carolina. His childhood was full of adventure being the second-born of six children. He quickly followed his mother’s footsteps in developing a love for the game of tennis, competing both individually and in mixed doubles with his sister. While not competing on the courts, Edwin spent many summers visiting family in England traveling on the Queen Elizabeth I.  When looking for a quick getaway the family would head to their cottage off the Blue Ridge Parkway or the outdoorsmen paradise of Knotts Island, North Carolina. Edwin had a very curious mind and love for the outdoors, which was evident with his involvement in Scouts, bass fishing, duck hunting and working on his infamous 1963 red Dodge 330.  He enjoyed basketball and reveled at the opportunity to “Take it to the hoop!” as he was well known to say.  In 1965 Edwin was part of the first graduating class of Charles E. Jordan High School, lettering in basketball and tennis. He went on to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he became a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity, Varsity Tennis and majored in Business Administration, graduating in 1969.  

After college he returned to his hometown roots where he began work for Duke University as an Internal Auditor. After several years he transitioned to Duke Hospital working in Materials Management until his retirement in 2005. 

Cupid’s arrow intervened at a wedding in Savannah, Georgia, where Edwin met the love of his life, Leigh. He loved to recount their wedding where their large families were united as one. He was able to sway her to leave Greenwich, Connecticut to come south where they were married for 52 years raising three children. Edwin was a proud father and delved into his children’s interests to challenge and grow with them daily. He was often seen at their basketball games with a camcorder perched on his shoulder, installing a “Shoot Away” to develop the perfect basketball shot or sitting in a green chair alongside a field hockey game enthusiastically shouting tips. In the evenings he would enjoy a Yarbrough signature dessert of ice cream (any flavor but Rocky Road) while watching “Top Gun” or any movie the family wanted to enjoy. One would not be surprised to hear him working movie quotes into his everyday life. 

When not with his family Edwin could be found taking on a new project and supervising anyone who was interested in joining him. He was an accomplished craftsman and would light up at the opportunity to talk about his latest endeavor. These ranged from his secret soil recipe that would make his roses and garden flourish, to his love of electronics, notably home and car audio you could usually hear from afar. Knotts Island continued to be an endless haven from his childhood to curate projects that left a lifelong positive impact on the environment. While he could name every duck species and call, he became particularly interested in Wood Ducks, for their beauty and conservation practices. He meticulously constructed over 100 Wood Duck boxes, proudly numbered and displayed them throughout the property. One stretch of marshland was known as “Wood Duck Alley”.  He usually had a story or two to tell about the flight of ducks who had taken up residence. His day would often include cruising the serene marshland with his prized vessel, a Louisiana mud boat. 

He is survived by his wife, Leigh Johnson Yarbrough and his three children: Edwin Search Yarbrough, IV and wife Sarah of Hillsborough, NC, Christina Yarbrough LeLiever and husband Jamie of Raleigh, NC, and Andrew Hilton Yarbrough and his wife Jane of Durham, NC. 

Seven grandchildren survive him: Mary Elizabeth Yarbrough and Edwin Search Yarbrough, V of Hillsborough, NC, Roland Betts LeLiever and Braden James LeLiever of Raleigh, NC, Surrey Elizabeth Yarbrough, Anne Hilton Yarbrough and Elliot Luby Yarbrough all of Durham, NC.

Five siblings survive him: Victoria "Vickie" Y. Atwater and husband Charles of Durham, Stuart J. Yarbrough and wife Mary of Daniel Island, SC, Marjorie Y. Burton and husband Dr. Claude Burton of Chapel Hill, Dr. Emily Y. Condon and husband Charles of Sullivan's Island, SC, and Anne Y. Gurbel and husband Dr. Paul Gurbel of Baltimore, MD. Twenty-five nieces and nephews also survive him.

Edwin will be remembered with love and admiration by all who knew him. His friends and family alike always enjoyed his wit, natural way with words and sense of humor.  His laugh won’t be forgotten.  

His family thanks Dr. Howard Eisenson, Dr. Anne Johnson, Duke Hospice, Hillcrest Home Health and his “angels,” Esthere, Marvin and Virginia. They provided exceptional care for Edwin and family and remained steadfast by his side.

Loved ones and friends are invited to celebrate a life well lived on Saturday, May 18 at The Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club from 4-7 p.m. in Durham.

Memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, parkinson.org, or to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, ncwildlife.org.

The Yarbrough family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service & Crematory. Online condolences may be submitted at hallwynne.com, select obituaries.