Rulon Griffith Yarborough

Rulon Griffith “Skip” Yarborough

“A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our lives.” -Billy Graham

Skip Yarborough, a resident of Central, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the age of 94. Born on August 22, 1931, in Axemann, Pennsylvania, Skip lived a life marked by faith, service, love, and devotion to family. A godly man who never met a stranger, Skip was loved by all who knew him. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and was affectionately known as “Pawpaw” to everyone. Family meant everything to him, whether by blood or simply by love.

On June 1, 1957, he married the love of his life, Betty Frances Blades Yarborough. Together, they built a beautiful life and shared a special love story that spanned 51 years, one that many aspired to have. Their marriage was rooted in faith, devotion, and a deep love for family. Skip was a graduate of Greensburg High School and attended Nicholls State University, where he played left tackle on the university’s first football team. He later answered the call to proudly serve his country as a Second Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers during the Korean Conflict for the United States Army.

Following his military service, Skip enjoyed a successful career as a State Farm agent, faithfully serving his community for 43 years. Even in retirement, he remained active and found joy in the simple things he loved most—dancing, fishing, golfing, teaching Sunday School, and traveling the world. He took great pride in the many places he visited and the countless memories and experiences he shared with those he loved. Anyone who knew Pawpaw knew he was rarely seen without his pipe. It became one of those familiar things that made him, namely, a small detail that will forever bring back memories of his presence. Whether sharing a story, offering advice, or simply enjoying the company of family and friends, that pipe was often close by, just another part of the man so many knew and loved.

God was always first in Skip’s life, and although he held many titles over the years, husband, Dad, and Pawpaw were by far his most treasured. To know him was to love him, and those fortunate enough to have known him will forever remember his kindness, his stories, his laughter, and the love he shared so freely.

His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and in the family he loved so deeply. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that he is now home with his Savior. While he may no longer be with us physically, he will forever remain in our hearts, our memories, and in the lessons and love he leaves behind. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

He is survived by his children, Lori Y. Chauvin and fiancé Glen Hendrick, Steven O. Yarborough, and Marlon K. & Dawn Yarborough; grandchildren, Kelly and Chuck Acosta, B.J. and Michelle Chauvin, Haley Chauvin, Griffith and Amanda Lewis, Kayla and Kyle Yarborough, Brennan Yarborough, Austin Yarborough, Heather Hendrick, Justin Newsom, and David Vest; and great-grandchildren, Skyler and Karlee Acosta, affectionately known as his “rugrats,” Slade Yarborough, Aubrey Herrick, Garrison Lewis, Connor Robinson, Emry Hendrick, Hudson Vest, and Lincoln Newsom. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rulon Griffith, Mary Solt and Andre Whiteside, and Joe & Rebecca Yarborough; his beloved wife of 51 years, Betty Frances Blades Yarborough; and his daughter, Karen Y. Lewis. Serving as pallbearers will be B.J. Chauvin, Griffith Lewis, Chuck Acosta, Austin Yarborough, Kyle Yarborough, and Connor Robinson. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Keedia, Linda, and MaKayla for the love, compassion, and special care they provided to our Dad and Pawpaw. Your kindness and devotion brought comfort not only to him, but to our entire family, and we will be forever grateful.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Skip’s life on Wednesday, June 10, at Bethel United Methodist Church in Pride, Louisiana. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., with funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will immediately follow the service.

Though he will be deeply missed, Skip’s legacy of faith, love, laughter, and service will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

“A life well lived, a man well loved, and a legacy that will endure for generations.”