Ernie Yarbrough Obituary, Death – GHSA Mourns Longtime Georgia High School Sports Leader and Girls Flag Football Advocate
Ernie Yarbrough, a longtime leader of the Georgia High School Association (GHSA), died on Saturday, October 17, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service to high school athletics across Georgia. His death has brought sadness to colleagues, coaches, officials, student-athletes, and the many people who worked alongside him throughout a career spanning more than three decades.
The GHSA remembered Yarbrough as a respected administrator whose knowledge, kindness, and dedication helped shape high school sports throughout the state. From officiating and athletic administration to expanding opportunities for girls in flag football, his work touched multiple areas of school athletics and influenced generations of participants.
Ernie Yarbrough’s More Than Three Decades With the GHSA
Yarbrough began his career with the Georgia High School Association in 1992 as a rules interpreter. Over the years, he took on several important responsibilities, including serving as Coordinator of Officiating and Assistant Executive Director.
His career reflected a long-standing commitment to supporting the people responsible for running high school sports competitions. Through his work with officials, coaches, and athletic programs, he helped maintain the standards and organization that allow student-athletes across Georgia to compete.
Although Yarbrough retired from full-time responsibilities in 2024, he continued working part-time, sharing his experience and remaining involved with the association he had served for so many years.
His continued involvement demonstrated the lasting connection he maintained with the GHSA and its mission.
Ernie Yarbrough’s Impact on Girls’ Flag Football in Georgia
One of Yarbrough’s notable contributions was his role in developing girls’ flag football across Georgia. As an associate director of the sport, he helped secure grants, expand participation, and create opportunities for young female athletes to compete.
His efforts supported the growth of a sport that gave more students the opportunity to represent their schools, develop their athletic abilities, and experience the teamwork and discipline that come with organized competition.
The expansion of girls’ flag football became an important part of his legacy, reflecting his interest in creating opportunities for student-athletes and helping programs reach more young people.
Beyond flag football, Yarbrough’s influence extended to basketball, softball, coaching, and officiating. His involvement across these areas reflected the breadth of his experience and his dedication to the wider high school sports community.
Honors and Recognition for His Contributions
Yarbrough’s work earned recognition within the sports community. In 2016, he was inducted into the Georgia Softball Hall of Fame, acknowledging his contributions to the sport.
In 2023, he received a Citation from the National Federation of State High School Associations, another distinction recognizing his service to high school athletics.
These honors formed part of a career built around supporting sports programs and the people who make them possible. His influence extended beyond individual achievements, reaching the officials he guided, the coaches he supported, and the student-athletes who benefited from the opportunities he helped create.
Remembering Ernie Yarbrough’s Kindness and Character
While Yarbrough’s professional accomplishments were significant, colleagues also remembered him for his personal warmth and concern for others.
His familiar farewell, “Be safe out there,” became a memorable expression of the thoughtfulness he brought to his relationships. The simple phrase reflected the care he showed toward colleagues and friends, serving as a reminder that his influence extended beyond the responsibilities of his position.
For those who worked with him, Yarbrough was more than an experienced sports administrator. He was a mentor, trusted colleague, and friend whose guidance and encouragement made a difference.
His legacy will continue through the programs he helped develop, the officials he supported, and the student-athletes whose experiences were shaped by his commitment to Georgia high school sports.
Ernie Yarbrough Funeral and Celebration of Life Arrangements
The Georgia High School Association has announced the arrangements for Yarbrough’s funeral service and Celebration of Life.
The funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Rising Hills Church, located at 3693 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton, Georgia 30115.
A Celebration of Life will follow at Cherokee Veterans Park, located at 7345 Cumming Highway, Canton, Georgia 30115.
The family has requested that memorial donations be directed to the Make Room Expansion Program at Rising Hills Church.
These gatherings will provide an opportunity for family members, friends, colleagues, and members of the Georgia sports community to remember Yarbrough’s life and honor the contributions he made throughout his career.
Family and Georgia Sports Community Mourn His Loss
Yarbrough’s death leaves a significant void for those who knew him personally and for the wider athletic community he served for decades.
Heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Cindy, their children, Shawn and Chelsy, his grandson, Hampton, and all other relatives, friends, and colleagues mourning his passing.
Ernie Yarbrough will be remembered for his leadership, his commitment to expanding opportunities in high school athletics, and the kindness he showed to the people around him. His more than 30 years of service to the GHSA helped shape the sporting experiences of countless students and strengthened the community that surrounds Georgia high school sports.
May his family find comfort in the memories they shared, and may his legacy of service, mentorship, and compassion continue to inspire the people who follow in his footsteps.
Rest in peace, Ernie Yarbrough. Your contributions to Georgia high school athletics and your care for others will not be forgotten.