Yarbrough
WAYCROSS — Daniel Keith Yarbrough, 83, of Waycross passed away Wednesd a y morning, September 9, 2026, at Satilla Hospice House in Waycross following an extended illness.
Yarbrough was born in Camden County on December 19, 1942, to the Rev. Ralph Bird and Juanita LaVerte Tanner Yarbrough. As the son of a Methodist minister, he and his family moved to several appointments in South Georgia before settling on the family farm in Atkinson County. Tending crops and managing cattle with his family and many cousins in the Stokesville Community instilled in Yarbrough a life-long work ethic and deep family bonds.
In addition to farming, the family established and published the Atkinson County Citizen newspaper from 1952 until its sale in 1974, giving Yarbrough experience in writing, typesetting, and printing. He graduated from Atkinson County High School and Emory at Oxford College, earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in sociology from Valdosta State College.
In 1969, Yarbrough began a distinguished career with the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services in Coffee County. Starting as a case manager, he rose to become a director in Coffee County and then a regional director for counties across South Georgia, dedicating his life’s work to helping abused and neglected children and others who could not defend themselves.
Yarbrough relocated to Waycross and married Kathy Sumner in 1976. In his hospital room, this devoted couple quietly celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary July 31, 2026. Together they reared three children who survive him, Catherine Olson of Norcross, Ga., Matthew Yarbrough of Waycross, and Susan Garner (Taylor) of Casselberry, Fla. He was a proud “Papa” to Abigail Yarbrough, Emily Yarbrough, Eloise Garner, and Jack Garner. He is also survived by a sister, Margaret McCranie (Slade) of Morven, Ga.; sister-in-law Sue Yarbrough of Chapin, S.C.; and sister-in-law Karen Seibold of LaRue, Texas.
Yarbrough was predeceased by his parents, his parents-in-law Jack and Ramona Sumner; his brothers Bradley and Paul Yarbrough; his son-in-law Jim Olson; his brother-inlaw Bob Siebold; and his sister-in-law Edie Yarbrough.
A funeral service was held September 12 in the Miles Odum Funeral Home Chapel. Interment followed at Brushy Creek Primitive Baptist Church in Irwin County.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice House Satilla, 800 Evergreen Way, Waycross, 31501, The Methodist Children’s Home in Macon, or to a charity of your choice.
Sympathy maybe expressed by signing online at www.milesodumfuneralhome. com Miles-Odum Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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