On July 15, 2026, at the age of 83, Thomas Anthony Yuran closed his eyes on earth and opened them in heaven.
He was born on August 11, 1942 in McKees Rocks, PA. Thomas was the oldest of three sons born to Jacob George Yuran and Elvera Rippole Yuran.
Thomas entered the workforce at an early age as a paper boy. He continued working in a variety of positions including a pin setter for the local bowling alley, a server at a pizza parlor owned by his aunts, and a laborer for construction companies owned by his uncles. For a summer, he also worked as a gandy dancer for the railroad. As he grew older, he became a tac welder and then a welder. He worked for Pittsburgh Des Moines Steel Mill on steel floor Three. That floor had large doors that were open all year long so the freight trains could come into the mill and pick up welded pieces and transport them. As a welder, he worked on welding The Gateway Arch in St. Louis. He was on fire twice while welding. Other welders pulled him by his feet from the area where he was working and patted out the sparks on his clothes. They told him that anytime he felt warm, he was probably on fire.
One day when his parents were visiting relatives in Johnstown, Thomas had a few of his buddies over. They came up with a plan to determine what college to attend by throwing darts at a map hanging on the wall. Thomas’ dart landed on Hattiesburg, Mississippi. So off he went! In his junior year of college, he met his wife to be, Patsy. They both majored in Psychology with minors in Sociology. After graduation, Patsy went home to Jackson, MS and Thomas to Kennedy Township, PA. After a couple days, Thomas called to propose to Patsy. Of course, she said yes and they were married in St. Malachy Catholic Church in Kennedy Township on July 30, 1966.
Thomas began his work in education as a high school teacher in the Sto-Rocks School System in McKees Rock. PA. Upon expecting their first child in 1968, Thomas left teaching to sell life insurance with the John Hancock Agency in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He was so successful that he and Patsy were able to attend the President Club meeting in Miami, FL. After one year, Thomas realized education was his true calling, so the family moved to Jackson, Mississippi where he taught at the Bolton Attendance Center during the day and taught speed reading at Millsaps College.
In 1980, the family moved to Carrollton, GA where Thomas started teaching in the Bowdon School System. Eventually he made his way to Central Middle School where he taught 7th grade and served as an assistance principal. During his time at Central, Thomas taught science, math, physical education, and developed the French curriculum which he taught as well. Thomas also served as a test administrator for West Georgia Technical College on Saturdays for many years. He also taught adults on Tuesdays and Thursday at the Technical school. After a 33-year career in education, Thomas retired from Central Middle School and continued to serve as a substitute for several additional years. He also worked for an after-school program at Sand Hill Elementary School.
Thomas is survived by his wife, Patsy Gayle Warnack Yuran, his three sons: Thomas E. Yuran (Cheryl), Mark A. Yuran (Craig), Patrick J. Yuran (Marie), granddaughters: Amanda and Ashley, brothers: Jacob G. Yuran Jr. (June), Richard Yuran and two nieces: Julianne and Vickie.
Services will take place on Monday, July 20th at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church located at 210 Old Center Point Road, Carrollton, GA 30117. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall, followed by the funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. The graveside service will immediately follow the funeral Mass.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Thomas to The Marie Yuran Endowment For Cancer Patient Supportive Care housed within the Tanner Foundation. The family would like to thank Janette from Heaven Sent Helpers and the Birches on Maple Street Memory Care Unit.
Martin & Hightower Funeral Home is honored to serve the Yuran family during this difficult time. Messages of condolence may be shared with the family at www.martin-hightower.com.