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John Varner Obituary
John David Varner M.D. of Charlottesville, died on Friday, January 29, 2010.
His parents were the late Susan Peacock Varner and Harry Howard Varner.
Born in El Paso, Texas, on January 12, 1923, he attended Episcopal High School in Alexandria, and the University of Virginia for both his undergraduate and medical degrees. He was a member of the 7 Society and an active supporter of the University.
"Cacti" practiced Neurological Surgery in Roanoke before returning to Charlottesville.
Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Perkins Varner; sons, John D. Varner Jr. and his wife, Su, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Mark Varner and his wife, Amy, of Ivy, and Keene Varner and his wife, Lacey, of Roanoke. He also leaves behind two sisters, Mary Varner Merryweather of Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, and Margaret Varner Bloss, of El Paso, Texas; seven grandchildren, David Varner of San Diego, California, Dabney Varner Porter of Greensboro, North Carolina, Lacey Varner Clarke of Charlotte, North Carolina, Whit and Sam Varner of Charlottesville, and Carter and Harry Varner of Roanoke; and four great-grandchildren, Elliott, Cade and Finn Porter, of Greensboro, North Carolina and Libbie Clarke, of Charlotte, North Carolina.
The family would like to thank the staff at Westminster Canterbury for all their care and support.
A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, February 3, 2010, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Greenwood with the Reverend David Wayland officiating. Interment will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Boy's Home, Covington, VA 24426.
Friends may send condolences to the family at www.hillandwood.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
February 2, 2010
Dear Betsy,
Sandra and I are so sorry to hear of Cacti's passing. We missed his obituary in the Roanoke Times probably because our Saturday paper was not delivered due to the snow. We only found out today when Cindy Smith, who works with Lacy, called Sandra.
We have missed you and Cacti very much since you moved to Charlottesville and we ask Keene and Lacy about you everytime we see them. We certainly had some great times with you over the years. Cacti was a fine gentleman and surgeon. I counted him amoung my close friends and I have missed the good times we had together in both business and pleasure.
Sandra and I send you and your family our deepest sympathy. We regret that we can not make it over to Charlottesville for the funeral tomorrow. We will make it a point to come by to see you the next time we are there.
We send our warmest love to you and your family.
Sincerely,
John P. Whittle
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Patti Weis
February 1, 2010
Dear Mrs. Varner,
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sympathy to you and your family for your loss. I was one of the CNA's in Catered Living when I was caring for Dr. Varner. He was always keeping us in stitches and was certainly a joy to serve. My memories of Dr. Varner are many, but the thing that stands out the most in my heart is his humility and his humor. I never once saw him boast himself around because he was a doctor. He fought his battles with great dignity. I will always respect his lessons on life and simply who he was and what he stood for. May God Bless each and every member of his family for this great man.
Respectfully,
Patti Weis
Becky & Danny Moran
January 31, 2010
DR Varner saved my husbands life on November 25, 1979. It was a day we will never forget. He was hurt while in the woods cutting timber. He was rushed to Roanoke Memorial and into Dr Varners capable hands. He performed an emergent craniotomy on my husband to stop several bleeds.
Dr Varner was so kind and patient with me as such a young bride. He did not sugar coat anything and laid it all out on the line about the critical acuity of my husband. Together with the help of our loving God they were able to save him from a very untimely death and we have now been married for 34 years.
I hope you can find comfort knowing that he is in a better place and our lives have all been the richer for knowing him here on earth.
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