Carol Yarborough

Carol Michael Yarborough, 93, of Sanford, NC died September 21, 2025, surrounded by his family who adored him.

Carol, son of the late Philip Chaffin and Wilma Hartness Yarborough, was a Sanford native. Carol was the fourth of six children born to Wilma and Phil Yarborough and was preceded in death by his siblings Mary Yarborough Bridgers, Philip Chaffin Yarborough, Jr., Rufus Melvin Yarborough, Wilma Yarborough Berryhill and Janet Yarborough Kelly. He graduated from NC State College in 1955 with a Degree in Dairy Manufacturing. He served as a 2nd lieutenant in the United States Air Force as a bombardier/navigator.

Carol was born on Christmas day, December 25th, 1931. His mother left the family’s Christmas dinner to declare “this will be my Christmas Carol.” Carol embodied the spirit of Christmas every day of his life. His optimism, unwavering hope, and infectious sense of fun were gifts he shared freely with all who knew him. He loved people and he loved Jesus and his spirit reflected that.

Carol was an active, loyal and lifelong member of the First Baptist Church in Sanford. He served as a deacon and a Sunday School teacher. He was an active member of the Sanford Jaycees and the Sanford Rotary Club in earlier years.

Carol’s parents died early in his life. His mother, Wilma, passed away unexpectedly when Carol was 15. His father Phil died two years later from cancer. Carol talked often of both his parents and his siblings. His father married Edna Earl Beddingfield Yarborough on his deathbed at Duke Hospital in Durham, NC. Edna Earl, a beloved Sanford High School teacher, moved into the Yarborough home immediately following Phil’s death to raise his children. It was a tough time for all, but beloved “EE” was their champion, and Carol was one of her biggest fans.

Carol grew up in the dairy business. His family owned and operated Fairview Dairies where Carol, his brothers and many close friends ran home delivery milk routes before school as teenagers. Carol purchased the business from his family and later sold and managed dairy operations for Long Meadow Farms and Flav-O-rich. Once the dairy manufacturing operations were moved to newer locations, Carol continued to manage the dairies but also kept the local dairy bar operation on McIver Street. He later remodeled and opened what is now known as Yarborough’s Ice Cream. Carol’s two sons, Michael and Tim, run the business.

Carol married the love of his life, Ann Holt Yarborough, June 27th, 1959 and they have lived a sweet and faithful marriage for 66 years. Along with his wife, Carol is survived by three children; Michael Yarborough and wife Alexsandra, Elizabeth Schrull and husband John, and Tim Yarborough; two grandchildren, Katie Schrull Jarett and husband Wilson, and Mollie Schrull Ellis and husband William, mother and father to his one and only great granddaughter Elizabeth Adams Ellis.

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 26, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church, 202 Summit Dr, Sanford, NC 27330. Burial will follow in Buffalo Cemetery where the family will receive friends afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the First Baptist Church of Sanford, NC Youth program or the Baptist Children's Homes of NC, P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361 (www.bchfamily.org