David Daniel Yarnell

Yarnell, David Daniel passed away at on home on Christmas Day, December 25, 2011. David was born February 20, 1930 in Knoxville Tn. He was the third of eleven children born to Carl Fredrick and Bernice Smith Yarnell. He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings, Jimmy Yarnell, Kenneth Yarnell and Francis Tindell. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Shirlene Clevenger Yarnell. Three children; Lynda Gayle Hunter (Ken), David Jeffries, and Daniel Yarnell (Kristi Barger). Seven grandchildren; Katina Whitworth (John), Kara Lee (Chad Maples), Benjamin Jeffries, Emily Yarnell, Rachel Ann Jeffries, Natalie Barger and Lea Barger. Four great-grandchildren; Madison, Harrison and Carter Whitworth and Skyler Lee. Seven siblings; Rev. Carl Yarnell, Jr. (Mary), Margaret Hayworth (Sid), Linda Wells (Steve), Sarah Yarnell, Paul Yarnell (Sandy), Steve Yarnell and Robert Yarnell. Sisters-in-law; Betsy Yarnell, Glenda Wilson (Paul), Lisa Ownby (Donnie). David was a founding member of Grace Covenant Baptist Church where he served as Elder, Sunday School Teacher and Financial Secretary. He was a graduate of Central High School class of 1949. He served his country in the United States Army where he earned the rank of Staff Sergeant during the Korean Conflict. He attended Carson Newman College and the University of Tennessee. David retired from BellSouth with 36 years of service, working in several different capacities. He especially enjoyed the many years he spent as the Chairman of the BellSouth Community Relations Team. David was always active in the community, working in numerous political campaigns, helping elect the leaders of our community; working with the Adopt-a-School programs at Ridgedale and Beaumont elementary schools; serving as PTA President at Ball Camp Elementary, Karns Middle and Karns High School; and in recent years his involvement with the Knoxville Green Association. After retirement he spent countless hours working in his yard and flower beds. He looked forward to annual trips to the beach with family, swimming in the surf and diving for sand dollars with the grandchildren. David never met a stranger and always had a story, a joke and a smile to share. He was a faithful husband, loving and nurturing father, and the best "Granddad" ever. His legacy of his faith in the Lord, and his compassion and love for people will live on through all the lives he has touched. The family will receive friends at Rose Mann Heritage Chapel at 6200 Kingston Pike, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday December 28, 2011 with a funeral service to follow at 7:00 PM with Dr. Alan Smith officiating. Graveside services and internment will be at Highland Memorial Cemetery on Sutherland Ave at 11:00 AM Thursday December 29, 2011. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery entrance at 10:45 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Covenant Baptist Church Building Fund, 9956 Dutchtown Rd, Knoxville TN 37923. Online condolences may be extended at www.rosemortuary.com

Tributes

David Daniel Yarnell

February 20, 1930 - December 25, 2011