Edwin (Eddie, Ed) Taylor Yarber

“Every day is a good day.” - Ed Yarber

Edwin Taylor Yarber, 70, passed away Friday April 12, 2024 in the comfort of his recently built dream home at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia with his best buddy, beloved golden retriever, Winston by his side. Devoted husband to the love of his life and wife, Danielle for 41 years and father of three daughters, Amanda, Brittany & Taylor.

Ed or Eddie, as many called him, was born November 14, 1953 in Asheboro, North Carolina. He was the youngest of four children of Gordon Randolph Yarber Jr. and Hilda McSnyder, whom both preceded him in death.

Eddie was a different breed of human, the true embodiment of “grit” from his first day to his last breath. Growing up in unfortunate circumstances with little means and parents premature deaths, he was a warrior and determined to persevere. He graduated from Randleman High School and attended UNC Greensboro, leading to starting his own packaging distribution business. This led to meeting the love of his life Danielle while on a sales call at Dillard Paper Company, marrying and lovingly becoming another father to Amanda, Danielle’s first child. From there, Danielle and Eddie rounded out their family with two more daughters, Brittany and then Taylor. Eddie and Danielle raised their girls in Roanoke, VA and spent any free time at Smith Mountain Lake nearby on their boat, buying property and building a dock that was enjoyed for over 20 years. In 2022, Eddie & Danielle completed building their dream lake house on the property. He was so proud of the life that he and Danielle both worked so hard to build and create for their family and for themselves.

Eddie was so many different things. Eddie gave it to you straight with no sugar coating, yet had a great deal of empathy for everyone. He was tough but fair. He was strong but soft. He was the life of the party but an introvert. He felt like there was a “right way” to do a lot of menial tasks yet was open minded when it came to others opinions on the bigger things. He worked insanely hard but played harder probably. He was a wild man in his youth yet effortlessly excelled as a devoted and warm father of three very different daughters. He liked adventure and to go go go, yet he always stopped to appreciate the little moments in life along the way.

Eddie certainly didn’t win the genetic lottery which led to many health struggles and heart attacks over the past decade or so. It was a running joke but true…Eddie was like a cat, he had nine lives. As heartbreaking as it is to lose our beloved Eddie, we are so lucky. We were given so many extra chances and more time with him over the years. And each time we thought we might lose him, was a gift of being reminded to cherish every second with the man, the myth, the legend that IS Ed Yarber.

Eddie was lucky to have so many dear friends that were like family to him. He cherished the adventures and moments that were shared and we thank all of you for bringing so much joy to his life and helping to extend his days.

Eddie didn’t give up. He fought so hard to get every experience and moment out of life. And that he did. Ed Yarber did it all.

Eddie is survived by his wife, Danielle Haanebrink Yarber, three daughters: Amanda Grinnell Sipe, Brittany Yarber Pomeroy, and Taylor Leigh Yarber, his son-in-law, William Bradford Pomeroy (Brittany), grandchildren: Keegan & Tatum Sipe and Charlotte Wynn & Ford Pomeroy, big sister, Sallee Redding Yarber Kelly and brother-in-law, Butch Kelly, sister-in-law, Nicky Tesh & brother-in-law Dale Tesh, sister-in-law, Sandi Yarber (Randy Yarber), brother-in-law, Don Ward (Libby), nieces & nephews: Adam & Courtney Tesh, Andy Yarber (Ann), John Yarber (Allison), Debbi Clarke (Walt), Shannon Connor (Frank).

In addition to his parents, Eddie was preceded in death by older brother, Gordon Randolph “Randy” Yarber III, older sister, Elizabeth “Libby” Yarber Ward, many cherished friends & his first golden retriever Bo (or Bodacious Bojangles of the Blue Ridge Mountains) whose ashes will soon keep him company.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to one of these organizations which Eddie was passionate about:

Carilion Clinic Foundation - many visits, compassionate care, and givers of more time by endless clinicians & staff over decades,

Franklin County and Scruggs EMS - handling of our toughest moments with compassion and care,

Franklin County SPCA who aided in Eddie giving in to a long desired cat for Danielle just 1 week prior to his passing

and Trinity Ecumenical Church, for providing Danielle a religious home and community and treating Eddie like a brother even if not the most dedicated parishioner.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at Trinity Ecumenical Parish with a reception to follow at Resurrection Roman Catholic Church. A private burial will take place at Bethany United Methodist Church Cemetery in Franklinville, NC. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount - Smith Mountain Lake.