Owen Theron Yarbrough

Owen Theron Yarbrough, 82, of Newbern, Tennessee died on Monday, April 20, 2026, at his residence in Newbern, Tennessee.

Born Monday, April 10, 1944, in Halls, Tennessee, on Gum Flat Road to the late Thomas Jefferson "T.J." Yarbrough and the late Maggie Pauline Sorrell Yarbrough. He was the last survivor of his immediate family.

Theron truly enjoyed life to the fullest. He often said that his greatest accomplishment was marrying his beloved wife, Tippy, and becoming a part of her family, where he was proud to be like a son to Burnie and Sue Akin. Together, Theron and Tippy owned and operated Newbern Video for many years. Through this business, they formed lasting friendships and created countless memories with members of their community. Later in life, he worked as a purchasing agent for Komatsu, where he was affectionately known by his coworkers as “OT.”

Theron was a man who was rarely still, always finding a project to keep his hands busy. One of his proudest accomplishments was the beautiful water garden he created in his backyard, built with rocks he carefully collected during his travels. He was a man of routine, known for enjoying crab legs on Fridays and steaks on Saturdays.

He loved traveling with his family, especially trips to the mountains in the spring and the beach in the fall. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a special place in his heart, and those moments together were among his most cherished.

Theron could be a bit stubborn at times, but it was simply part of his nature—and often how he managed to get his way with a smile.

He was a faithful member of Newbern First Baptist Church.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of forty-four years, Susan "Tippy" Akin Yarbrough of Newbern, Tennessee; three sons, Tracy Coleman (Christie)  of Newbern, Tennessee, Eric Coleman (Jennifer) of Newbern, Tennessee and Trevor Yarbrough (Michelle) of Dyersburg, Tennessee; he was "Papaw" to his six grandchildren, Dylan Coleman (Taylor), Ragan Coleman, Mackenzie Coleman, Sean Yarbrough, Reece Coleman and Peyton Yarbrough; great-grandchild, Hayes Coleman with another great-grandchild who will join the family in July and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family that he loved dearly.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Grace Davis and Rebecca Williams and two brothers, Paul Yarbrough and Thomas Yarbrough

A Celebration of Life Service for Theron will be held at 6:00 PM on Thursday, April 23, 2026, in the Chapel of Johnson-Williams Funeral Home. Officiating this service will be Bro. Mike McCullough and Bro. Chris Young.  Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4:30 PM until 6:00 PM at Johnson-Williams Funeral Home.

Theron’s last request was for no flowers and that memorial contributions be directed to the Charity of Donor's Choice, St. Jude, Wounded Warrior Project, American Cancer Society, American Lung Association or Shriner's Hospital.

Online condolences may be made to the family at johnsonwilliamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Owen Theron Yarbrough.

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