Sept.14, 1940 – Nov. 14, 2013

NATCHEZ — Graveside services for Charles Robert Yarbrough, 73, who died Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013, will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Natchez City Cemetery.

Burial will follow at the Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home chapel.

Mr. Yarbrough was born Sept. 14, 1940, in Shreveport, the son of Robert Franklin and Charlene Yarbrough, but spent most of his youth in Prescott, Ark., where his father was the manager of a Ford, Mercury dealership. He graduated from Centenary College of Shreveport in 1962. While attending college, he played on the Centenary Gents golf team. During the same year he married Pamela Dell Murray of Shreveport. They had two sons Charles Robert Jr. and Bradford Odell. After graduation he went to officers training school and became an officer in the U.S. Air Force. After five years of service as a captain, he resigned his commission to pursue a career in the automobile business. In 1967 he returned to Prescott and in time became the owner of the Prescott Motor Co. He spent the next 24 years there. During his time back home he was a member of the Kiwanis Club, was instrumental in getting the Prescott Railroad Station building in the National Register of Historic Places and started a museum. In early 1991 he acquired Natchez Ford, Lincoln, Mercury in Natchez. Having the opportunity to serve the automotive needs of a community like Natchez was a dream come true for Charles. He was involved in many philanthropic endeavors and promoted Natchez for its unique beauty and history. He served on the Economic Development Board, and was a member of the Jefferson Street United Methodist Church and Beau Pre Country Club. During his 39 years in the retail car business, Charles received 15 Distinguished Achievement Awards from the Ford Motor Company. He retired in 2006 and his son Brad became the owner of Natchez Ford, Lincoln , Mercury. Charles moved to the golf community of Shoal Creek in Birmingham, Ala., but also enjoyed time at the beach in Dauphin Island, Ala. He spent his retirement days playing golf and enjoying time with friends and family.

Survivors include his wife, Pam Yarbrough; two sons, Chuck Yarbrough and wife, Laura and Brad Yarbrough; four grandchildren, Robert Trice, Merritt Mae, Hunter and Sterling.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Bazemore, John Roland, Preston Clark, Chris Newman and Jamie Morace.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Jefferson Street Methodist Church, 511 Jefferson Street, Natchez, MS., 39120

Online condolences may be sent to lairdfh.com.