Thomas Yarbrough Sr.

Thomas Albert Yarbrough, 89, passed away Friday, June 4, 2021. He was born April 23, 1932, in Gadsden, Alabama to Rex and Nancy (LeBourg) Yarbrough. He moved to Miami, Florida in 1944 where he attended high school and joined the ROTC.

At the age of 18 in 1950 he started his naval career. He was a member of the 154 Fighter Squadron where he quickly worked his way up to Chief Warrant Officer 3. In the Navy he was stationed on the USS Ranger, Enterprise and Kitty Hawk.  He led a team of minesweepers in Vietnam and Suez Canal.

After retirement from the Navy, he taught mathematics at Daytona Beach Community College.

While stationed at Whidbey Island, Washington, he met Shirley Maxine Abrams and they were married in Vancouver, Canada.  They had two children: Thomas Yarbrough Jr (Debbie) and Patty Sue Walker (Claire).  They were blessed with many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Tom began riding motorcycles at an early age. When he was stationed in the Philippines, he belonged to the Duster Motorcycle club. He participated in many races and brought home numerous trophies. He passed the love of riding down to his son where they enjoyed attending the Daytona Bike Week together. Tom was a member of the Daytona Dirt Riders, and loved to walking down the Granada Bridge.   He helped sponsor numerous Alligator Enduro’s. He also loved watching his granddaughter and great-grandkids riding their dirt bikes.

The last few years he enjoyed his time going to the Our Seniors meetings where they referred to him as The Commander.