Paul (PJ) Jackson Yarbrough, Jr., passed away unexpectedly on May 10, 2026, at only 49 years old.

He is survived by his childhood sweetheart and loving wife of 23 years, Melissa Yarbrough, his sister, Crystal Stelly (Chris) and his nieces Hannah and Tabitha Hay. He will forever be cherished and remembered by his Yarbrough uncles Byrd (Pam), Ray (Allisen) and Cole, his cousins Michael Yarbrough (Jennifer) and Shannon Carrell, his parents-in-law James and Susan Savage, his grandmother Loraine Williams, his stepfather Roger Droddy, and his many aunts, cousins and extended family. He will also be dearly missed by his close friends Gary and Courtney Mannino (and godchildren Jaxon, Beck and Merrick), Justin Rhodes (Karoline), Anthony Broderson (Hope), Mark Reith and Christopher Althaus.

Paul is preceded in death by his father, Paul Yarbrough, Sr., and mother, Judy Gowen Harvey, as well as his stepfather Earl Harvey, his grandparents Milton and Kathryn Yarbrough, Margaret Yarbrough, WD Gowen and Curtis Williams, and his aunts and uncles Danny and Peggy Carrell, Sarah Bryant, Martha Williams, Eddie Thompson and Mark Yarbrough.

Paul was born at Fort Bragg Army Hospital in Fayetteville, North Carolina on March 24, 1977. He graduated from Cy-Fair High School in 1998, where he started dating Melissa, the love of his life, when they were only 15 years old. After several years in the service industry, Paul found his passion as a plumber and handyman, earning journeyman status with the Local 68 plumbing union, where he worked on commercial plumbing projects across Houston.

From his earliest days, Paul was a rebel and a force of nature who lived a rich, if all too brief life. He was a generous friend who touched the lives of many with his kindness, willingness to lend a hand and empathetic heart. He especially loved spending time with his Melissa, traveling, going on cruises, camping, fishing and exploring new recipes on his grill. He adored their fur babies Lucy, Ziva and Nyx, and is hopefully now enjoying long walks with his Gypsy girl over the rainbow bridge.

Paul was strong willed and stubborn at times, but he also had the biggest heart and a wonderful sense of humor. He was generous, loyal, goofy and brave, and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him. PJ will live in our hearts forever and always.

A gathering to honor and celebrate Paul will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Klein Funeral Home in Tomball, TX. The viewing will take place at 1pm, followed by a funeral service at 2pm and a brief reception after. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Paul's name to BluePearl Cares (to help make emergency vet care more accessible), the Houston SPCA or the American Heart Association.