William "Les" Scarbrough

William Leslie Scarbrough, known to many as Les, went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at the age of 83.

Les was born on August 19, 1942 in Sherman, Texas to William Clyde Scarbrough and Jeanette Wilma Scarbrough (Maples).

He spent most of his childhood in Kennedy, Texas where he graduated from Kennedy High School, playing football, basketball and running track. Upon graduation, he went on to continue his education at Abilene Christian University where he earned his bachelor’s degree and then served briefly in the United States Army. After leaving the army, he met and married Jackie Burns Scarbrough on August 23, 1969 and they settled in Houston. He spent most of his career in pharmaceutical sales, working for Miles, Schering-Plough, and Bayer. 

Faith was always very important to Les and no matter where he found himself, he always made sure to have a church home. While raising his family in Houston, he attended Sharpstown/Sugar Grove Church of Christ and served as a deacon in the church as well as volunteered with the youth ministry. After moving to the DFW area, he attended Prestoncrest Church of Christ where he attended his Sunday school class faithfully and developed special relationships there. 

Les found joy in supporting his family. He was the ultimate ‘teacher husband’ to Jackie and supported her work in Christian education. He loved being a father and coached many of his son, Brent’s, sports teams, especially soccer and volunteered for many years while Brent was in Boy Scouts, even making the infamous Philmont Trek trip. He also loved supporting Kristi and Robyn in their many sports and activities including volleyball, basketball, track and cheer.

After losing Jackie, he married Diane Perdue Scarbrough on June 15, 2001 and they were blessed to finish their careers together, build a life in DFW, welcome 11 grandchildren, and enjoy time traveling. He continued supporting his grandchildren by being at every event, game, or program he could attend.

Les always loved the outdoors and was particularly fond of Colorado. He shared many memories with his parents after their retirement biking, camping and fishing there. His passion for the outdoors continued with trips to visit Brent’s family in Colorado, especially hiking and biking Waterton Canyon. 

Les was an avid University of Texas Longhorns fan. He particularly enjoyed watching football, softball, volleyball and baseball. He loved to see the world and took any opportunity he could to plan a road trip. More than anything, Les loved his family and any opportunity he could to spend time with them. Whether it was eating at one of his favorite restaurants or relaxing at the house to watch a Longhorns game, he valued their love and company.

Les is preceded in death by the mother of his children and first wife of 28 years, Jackie Burns Scarbrough; brother, James Scarbrough; father, William Clyde Scarbrough; mother, Jeanette Scarbrough; nephew, James Scarbrough; and his second wife of 23 years, Diane Scarbrough. 

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his children, Kristi Herrold and her husband, Vance, Brent Scarbrough and his wife, Stephanie, Robyn Thompson and her husband, Cody, stepdaughters Amy Giles and her husband Todd, and Carey Dedolph; sister-in-law, Trina Scarbrough; grandchildren, Aubree, Colton, and Devon Herrold, Cecil and Sophie Scarbrough, Jace, Kyla and Kinsley Thompson, Dylan Dedolph and his wife, Kate, Taylor (TAG) and Turner Giles; greatgrandchildren, Ryder and Emmilynn Dedolph; nieces, Billie Cross, Toni Quick and Trinity Whitt; nephew, Seth Scarbrough; and numerous other extended family. 

We will miss Les’s smile lighting up a room, but his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched. 

A visitation will be held from 2:00-3:00 PM Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Forest Park East Funeral Home and Cemetery, with a graveside service to follow at 3:00 PM. 21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX 77598.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making a donation in Les’ memory to Abilene Christian University or Alzheimer's Research Foundation.