Raymond Ambrose Yarbrough

Raymond Ambrose Yarbrough, 88, of Eastland, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of June 16, 2026. Raymond was affectionately known as "Speedy" to some family members and friends.

Raymond was born to Georgia Wood Yarbrough and Connie Austin Yarbrough on April 26, 1938. Legend has it, he entered the world in a tiny house out in the country somewhere between the Leon River and Lake Leon. He was the 3rd of 4 children. He attended school in Gorman, Texas and later moved to Olden High School, where he graduated. He married Sandra Jean Vinson on April 28, 1962, who remained his soul mate and best friend in all the world throughout life. He and Sandy later moved to Mansfield, Texas, where Raymond became a long-time employee of the General Motors plant in Arlington. He and Sandy welcomed their two daughters while living in Mansfield, and he stepped into the role of a devoted and involved father. He famously coached little league softball for both of his daughters for several years, where he shared his enthusiasm for the sport with many families that quickly became friends. He was rambunctious, hilarious, and loved being around people. However, friends and family will tell you that you better not make Raymond mad or catch him in a bad mood - there were rumors of conflict in the ball field parking lot several times after games.

After retiring, he and his wife Sandy moved to their forever home in Eastland, Texas. They then welcomed their two beloved grandchildren and stepped into a new role of being the best grandparents the world has ever seen. Throughout their childhood, Raymond and the grandkids searched for the Great Valley, and went on numerous adventures.

Raymond was an avid outdoorsman throughout his life. Starting from a young age, he trapped and hunted wildlife to help feed his family. His knack for hunting, fishing and trapping carried through life, and he was glad to share those experiences with his family and friends. In his adult years, it was not uncommon to find him and his buddies neck-deep in a river searching for monster catfish under rocks, or sitting around a fire telling tall tales about their quarry. He instilled in his family a love for the outdoors, wildlife, and things that grow.

Raymond is preceded in death by his parents Georgia and Connie, brothers James and Leroy Yarbrough, great-grandson Wesley Bennett Holland, as well as many close friends and family members. He is survived by his wife, Sandy Yarbrough, daughters Brandle Smith (Ken) and Amanda Tucker (Clint), grandchildren Jacob Holland (Myra) and Zoey Macon (Cole), great-grandson Clemson Ambrose Macon, and sister Juanita Williams.

Raymond Ambrose Yarbrough is under the care of Edwards Funeral Home - Eastland.