William "Bill" C. Yarnall

William “Bill” C. Yarnall, age 77, a resident of Albuquerque since 1968 and a devout Catholic passed away peacefully on August 31, 2018.  Bill was born November 6, 1940 in Lexington, Kentucky, eldest son of William Mattox Yarnall and Willie Mae Kearney Yarnall.  He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Carol Adamiak Yarnall, Colonel, USAF, Ret; and brothers, Robert, Dana (Gail), Ronald (Rosalind), Gary (Jody) Yarnall, Doug; and sister, Bonnie; Brother-in-law Joseph Adamiak (Yun); and numerous nieces and nephews.   He attended the University of Cincinnati studying interior design and was a designer for the Rike Kumler Company in Dayton, Ohio.  For five years, Bill worked as a computer operator for the Defense Electronics Supply Center also in Dayton, Ohio.   Bill and Carol were married May 13, 1967 in Moundsville W.V. and following Carol’s military assignment to Albuquerque, Bill transferred to the Air Force Weapons Laboratory where he was a supervisor for the Scientific Computer Operations Group. He served proudly in the Army National Guard for six years in Ohio and New Mexico. In 1972, Bill left computers to follow his education and passion and joined Tellmans Albuquerque, an exclusive gift and fine articles retail store.  Upon Bebe Tellman’s death, Bill bought the store and operated it for over 17 years.  The quality of the merchandise, personal service, and delivery of beautifully hand-wrapped gifts made Tellman’s unique in the entire southwest.  After closing Tellman’s, Bill enjoyed appraising fine china and silver and working at The Silver Owl.  Bill was an avid gardener, an excellent cook, and a gracious party giver.   He was known as an enthusiastic collector of fine things---especially china, glass, silver, and art—with knowledge and love as his “trademark.”   He lectured extensively to local groups including the Albuquerque Old Glass Antique Study Group, of which he was a long-time member.  He will be remembered by many Senorita classes of the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra Guild for his etiquette training during the Senorita’s high school senior year prior to the Symphony Ball.  Acknowledged for his extraordinary skill as a chef, Bill was awarded a copper pan for Best Appetizer at the March of Dimes 1984 Gourmet Gala.  A true “Tea” aficionado, Bill delighted in being a member of the Executive Tasting Board for the St. James Tea Room. For more than 30 years Bill was an active volunteer for the Albuquerque Council for International Visitors (now known as Global Ties ABQ).  He occupied many positions, as President of the Board, Treasurer, Executive Director and Office Manager.  During this time, he was also well known for his wonderful dinner parties demonstrating American hospitality and cuisine to the U.S. State Department sponsored visitors from around the world.  In 2011 Bill was one of eight people, chosen nationwide, to receive the Citizen Diplomat National Pillar Award from the National Council for International Visitors at their 50th anniversary celebration in Washington DC.   This past December, even after being incapacitated by illness for seven months, Bill hosted, from a wheelchair, his annual holiday party for Global Ties ABQ.  He had hosted that seasonal party for 20 years and also hosted many annual meetings and indoor and outdoor receptions.  Just four months ago, on May 13, Bill and Carol celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary with a cake and champagne reception; a blessing from our pastor, Father Stephen Schultz, and Bill hosted from his wheelchair-- his very last party. There will be a visitation on Tuesday, September 18, 2018, 5:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 4020 Lomas Blvd NE.with a Rosary and eulogies to follow at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, September 19 at 11:00 a.m. Concelebrated by The Very Rev. Stephen Schultz, Rev. Msgr Francis Eggert, Father Rick Zerwas and Rev. James Fleming, S.J.  Bill’s body will then be cremated for placement at Arlington National Cemetery. Bill’s family offers special thanks to the capable and compassionate staff in Supportive Care at the Neighborhood in Rio Rancho.  They saw to Bill’s every need and made his passing very comfortable and peaceful. Donations may be made in Bill’s memory to “The Bill Yarnall International Hospitality Fund” at Global Ties ABQ, PO Box 30485, Albuquerque, NM 87190 or to Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School, 4020 Lomas Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87110.