Obituaries — May 9

Published 12:00 am Thursday, May 9, 2019

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Ellen Roberta ‘Roby’ Snapp Vest

Ellen Roberta “Roby” Snapp Vest passed peacefully into the more immediate presence of her Savior on Sunday, April 28.  Roby was born in Limestone, Tennessee, to Hawkins and Willie Snapp. In her senior year of high school, Roby met Jack Douglas Vest, who soon became her husband. They were married on Feb. 3, 1945.  Roby graduated from East Tennessee State University with a degree in physical education and a minor in art. Roby and Jack moved to Clemmons in 1960. After the untimely death of her husband in 1972, Roby dedicated her life to raising her five children. Roby was an accomplished and enthusiastic golfer. She was the Tanglewood Lady’s Golf Association champion for many years. In addition to being very athletic, Roby also loved painting, sewing, and cooking. She combined her love for Bible studies, golf, and teaching to mentor many women both at church and on the golf course. She taught Sunday school at Calvary Baptist Church for more than 40 years. She was most at home when she was teaching about the death and resurrection of her beloved Savior, Jesus Christ. Roby also taught PE at Wake Forest University, and later in her life, she worked at the main office of Tanglewood Park. Roby is preceded in death by her husband Jack Douglas Vest, her parents, and three siblings, Laura “Fritzy” Robbins, Ruth Wilson, and Abe Snapp. She is survived by daughter, Nancy Vest (Cy Hogue) and her children, Madeleine, Katherine, Ben, and Susannah; daughter, Holly Vest and her children, Olive and Adam Camp; daughter, Debbie Vest and her children, Joe Leonard and John Braa; son, Rock Vest (Chrystina) and their children, Jasmine (Mickey Andrews) and Jack; and daughter, Roby Taw and her children, Matthew (Hannah) and Zac; also surviving are three great-grandchildren, Caleb, Skylar, and Blake. A funeral service was held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, May 3, 2019, at Clemmons Moravian Church with Rev. David Merritt and Rev. Gary Byrum officiating. Burial followed in the church graveyard. A visitation with a reception for family and friends will follow the burial in the church parlor. Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Clemmons Moravian Church, PO Box 730, Clemmons, N.C., 27012. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com

Reginald F. Yarbrough

Reginald F. Yarbrough passed away peacefully at his home early the morning of May 3, 2019, surrounded by family. Born Jan. 15, 1936, to Ewell Gray and Erlene Griffin Yarbrough of Winston-Salem, he graduated from Oldtown High School and Western Carolina University and served honorably as an M.P. with the U.S. Army in Killeen, Texas.

Reg spent 36 years working for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco, retiring as director of export services for Reynolds International. While located in Rochester, N.Y., he met and married the love of his life, Judy Hall Yarbrough, and over time they grew a family of one daughter and three sons and made their home in Clemmons.

Reg turned his deep love for his children and sports into a legacy of community service that will survive him for many generations. In addition to coaching all three sons in baseball, basketball and football, he became a driving force in youth sports across the community. He was deeply involved in the creation of Southwest Little League and the Poindexter Baseball Complex, served as president of what was originally Clemmons Cowboys football, and helped spearhead the Clemmons Cougars youth basketball program. He also was involved with the OK West Booster Club, helping to raise thousands of dollars in support of students. In 1978 he was honored by the Clemmons Jaycees with their Citizen’s Award in recognition of his volunteer work on behalf of youth.

Following retirement, Reg shared his love of sports with slightly older members of the community, establishing the original Salem Glen Country Club “senior gangsome,” now known as the Bandits, which brings retirees together daily in camaraderie and joy as they played the game of golf he loved.

Known far and wide for his wit, slightly sly smile, good looks and, most of all, deep sense of personal responsibility and integrity, he will be missed by his many family members and hundreds of friends, including so many now-grown men whose character he helped shape through youth sports.

Reg is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Judy; children Debbie McCliment (Craig), Daniel Herko (Christina), Reginald F. Yarbrough II (Lisa), and Timothy J. Yarbrough (Love); and twin brother Richard Yarbrough. Cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren include Anna Rae McCliment Hodge (Jordan) and daughter Avery Grace; Catherine Herko Nelson (Nick) and children Kate and Liam; Sara Herko Filipponi (Aaron) and children Ali and Joey; Abigayle Yarbrough; and Timothy J. Yarbrough II.

Reg was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Gray Yarbrough II, Betty Yarbrough, Ann Yarbrough Carroll, Joseph “Joe” Yarbrough and William Yarbrough.

Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m., Monday, May 6, 2019, at Salem Funeral and Cremations, 2951 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem. The service was 3 p.m., Tuesday, May 7, at Clemmons Moravian Church with the Rev. Ray Burke officiating. The service was followed by interment at Westlawn Gardens of Memory and a reception at the church.

While flowers are welcome, the family requests that tributes be made on behalf of the Clemmons Moravian Church, 3560 Spangenberg Avenue, Clemmons, N.C., 27012 or Trellis (formerly Hospice), 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, N.C., 27103.

Online condolences may be sent to www.salemfh.com.