Wendell Howell Yarbrough

Wendell Howell Yarbrough affectionately known as “Winkey”, by family, friends and many in the Pass Christian community, peacefully passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025. We are thankful for the legacy he leaves in death, for the ways the world has been made different by his presence, for the memories that become both more beautiful and more painful on this side of death. We pray that the work he accomplished in this remarkable life will grow deeper, wider and stronger in the days to come, uninhibited by a weak opponent like death. 

Winkey was born on September 4, 1928 in Elizabethton, Tennessee. He was 96 and a half years old, the longest living member of his family. After serving his country in the Korean War, Winkey married Margaret Lacy on September 6, 1953. He lived a life marked by service, entrepreneurship, and devotion to family.

Christmas held a special place in his heart, with mandatory early morning gatherings where he delighted in distributing lavish gifts to his family, followed by festive holiday feasts. His legendary fourth of July parties were known for the playful tradition of “salting” the pool with coins for his grandchildren to discover the next morning. Winkey supported his friends and family. He always had advice when asked and would lend a helping hand in times of troubles. 

He was a successful businessman, he established and operated several enterprises, including W. Howell Yarbrough Tile and Winkey's Country Corner. His masterful tile work continues to grace homes and businesses throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast. His commitment to community service was exemplified by his role as Potentate of the Joppa Shrine Temple in 1985 and his reign as King Christian of St. Paul's Carnival Association in 1993. His generous spirit touched countless lives through charitable works. 

Wendell “Winkey” Yarbrough is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Margaret Lacy Yarbrough, parents Ruth (Davis) and Wendell Alfred Yarbrough, his five brothers: Stuart Kilburn “Tippy”, Robert Doris “Bobby”, Richard Leon “Dick”, Donald Edmond “Don", Thomas Davis “Tommy”, and one sister, Mary Katherine “Katy”. Winkey is survived by his children, Wendelyn (Eddie) Hormanski, Ruth (Jim) Gaddy, and Howell (Cheryl) Yarbrough, Jr.; ten grandchildren, Margaret Hormanski Kahle (Mike), Britt Hormanski, Ashleigh Gaddy, Erin Osborne (Jay), Montee Reasonover (Brad), Trey Gaddy (Maggie), Patrick Gaddy, Amanda Yarbrough, Angela Rios, and Wendell Yarbrough; and fifteen great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Coraline Kahle, Jackson, Noah, and Maddox Osborne, Grayson and Peyton Reasonover, Wren and Kade Gaddy, Harrison Mayer, Jason Yarbrough, Braxton, Owen, Landon, and Marley Rios; and numerous nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.

Winkey's wisdom and generous spirt touched many lives. His legacy lives on through countless ways he made the world better by his presence, and through the memories that grow both more beautiful and more precious with his passing.

Winkey's unwavering support of friends and family will be deeply missed. 

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, February 21, 2025, in Biloxi National Cemetery.