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Kelley Varner Obituary
Celebration services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2009, at the River of Life Church on Gum Branch Road in Jacksonville, with Pastor Wendall Ward officiating. Burial will follow at the Rand Family Cemetery in Richlands.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Joann Armentrout Varner; and their four children, April Orel and her husband, Cory, Jonathan Varner and his wife, Angela, Joy Beth Varner and David Varner, all of Richlands; his mother, Lucy Summers Saville of Keyser, W.Va.; and two grandchildren, Destiny Rose Orel and Jasmine Christine Varner, both of Richlands.
The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Jones Funeral Home, 303 Chaney Ave., Jacksonville.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to: Kelley Varner Ministries, P.O. Box 785, Richlands, NC 28574.
Dr. Varner graduated as the class Valedictorian from Keyser High School, in Keyser, W.Va.; studied Music Education and Voice at Potomac State College in Keyser, W.Va.; studied Pastoral Ministry at Free Gospel Bible Institute in Export, Pa.; graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Guidance and Counseling and a minor in Music from Frostburg State College, Md.; received a Th.B. in theology from American Bible College, Pineland, Fla.; received the M.Div. and Ph.D. degrees from Tabernacle Bible College and Seminary in Tampa, Fla., and received an additional honorary Doctorate from the same institution. In addition, he served on the faculty and board of Zion School of Christian Education in Grantsville, Maryland, from 1970 to 1977, teaching most of the books of the Bible as well as Bible-related subjects including Theology and Greek.
In 1978 he founded Praise Tabernacle of Richlands and since that time has been the visionary and Apostolic leader of that work. During the time of his ministry over 35,000 CDs, thousands of books and DVDs were sent out to all 50 states and 40 nations on a yearly basis. In 2006 Dr. Varner founded Kelley Varner Ministries through which he began an exclusively itinerant apostolic ministry to the nations.
During his lifetime, he wrote and distributed over 50 books and booklets internationally, including the series, "Principles of Present Truth," a contemporary commentary on the books of the Bible (with 15 volumes from Genesis-Ezekiel). He has been the ghostwriter for several notable national and international ministries. His latest release, completed just prior to his passing, is titled, "I Am Not Afraid of My Future".
In addition to being an international bible teacher and conference leader, Dr. Varner was also an accomplished musician and vocalist. He produced and performed both vocally and instrumentally, on cassette and CD, "Treasures New and Old," featuring many of the old hymns.
Dr. Varner's primary ministry was to travel throughout the United States and the nations where he was received by many as an apostle, prophet and teacher of present truth concerning the Kingdom of God. He was a pastor to pastors and was a mentor to leading ministries in America and other nations.
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Memories and Condolences
for Kelley Varner
Minister Maryrose
June 30, 2009
OMGoodness! A giant in the kngdom has departed to glory and he took his rewards with him! I have many of his revelatory books which he will live on through his many writings he penned from the spirit of wisdom.
I am so sorry for your loss Varner family.
k
June 29, 2009
The last time I saw Pastor Varner was at William Hinn's church and he said, " I don't know if I will see you again; but I will hang with you until the baby is born." We know that he is forever with us in spirit. What a great legacy he has left to all of us, we will continue to run the race. Indeed the baby has been born and we rejoice!!
Terry Kashian
June 29, 2009
A great bible teacher and servant of God. He will be missed by many! May the Lord comfort family and friends in this time of loss. I am glad I had the opportunity to meet brother Varner in person in Tucson, AZ not so long ago.
Chet Armogan
June 27, 2009
Pastor Varner was truly a prophet of the Lord and a messenger of the Kingom of God. I was very shocked and saddened at the news of his passing. My deepest condolences to his precious wife and family.
As a young man in Guyana, I was priveleged to be exposed to his revelatory teachings on the Kingdom. Although we were Pentecostal Christians at the time, his exegetical studies thrusted us into a new dimension of spiritual truth. Many of us received his books and tapes free of charge, such as "Prevail" and "The Tabernacle of Moses." Although I met Dr.Varner only once, in New York city, I consider him as my spiritual mentor. Personally, I believe he was one of the best Bible Teachers of our generation.
May The Lord's abundant grace comfort the hearts of his dear family and loved ones.
Jennifer Littleton
June 25, 2009
To the family - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Dr. Varner's teachings inspired me to fall more in love with our Savior. I heard him once in Atlanta and purchased books and tapes of the month. I am now a Pastor and this probably would not have happened without your loved one's life work. The thoughts of many are with you at this time.
Jennifer Williams
June 24, 2009
Pastor Varner spoke into my life when I was just a teenager. I have carried those words on through out my life and they still speak to me. Thank you Pastor Varnor for always being sensitive to the spirit and may you play that saxaphone before the throne while my Mom dances before the Lord!
Love always.
Jennifer Willias
June 24, 2009
I loved this man dearly because he made me to grow spiritually. I met him many years ago at Bro. Bill Britton's Campmeeting.Since that time I have read his books and listened to his teachings regularly.He was and is definatly one of my Mentors.I wll miss him,but I am happy that he is with our Lord and Savior, JESUS. I pray for his precious wife and family. With love and prayers..Ms. Sparkee
David Mitchell
June 24, 2009
I thank the Father for Dr.Varner. I have all of His books and have studied these books for years now. The earth is blessed because of him. My prayers are with the family and the thousands of people who are missing him right now. May we continue to proclaim the One whose right it is throughout this earth.
Sarah Kaya
June 21, 2009
I have just learned of the loss of Pastor Varner he was a great man of God.The books that he gave me have been a source of blessing and encouragement in my walk with the Lord. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Sarah Kaya, Brisbane Australia
Bill Cox
June 21, 2009
Joann and kids I was shocked to get a Father's Day call from Matt Black in Turkey who told me about your great loss. The Kingdom is much richer for Kelly's ministry. I count him as one of my primary mentors as I studied his tapes and still devour his books to aid in the ministry God with which God has blessed me.
June 21, 2009
To the Varner family,
May God continue to guide and give you strength as Dr.Varner ascend to heaven!
Jamal Pointe & family
Shekinah Glory, Fayetteville
I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God
Ricky Thomas, MD
June 21, 2009
I just learned about Dr. Kelly Varner’s transition to Glory. I am currently deployed to Iraq, and my wife who is a member of River of Life Church informed me today. Dr. Varner was truly a man of God, and his teaching and apostolic training will be an impact felt by generations to come. I regret that I never had the opportunity to fellowship with him. I was inspired by his Spiritual wisdom, and works for Christ. You will know a true believer by his fruits.
In Godly love,
Ricky A. Thomas, MD
Randy, Alice, Caleb, Cody Mullins
June 19, 2009
Our lives will never be the same because of his teachings of the word. His faithfulness to the the Lord will linger in our hearts and minds. The books that he wrote will touch many lives and touch our children as well. May the Lord give the family all that they need to carry them through this hard time.
Louis & Gwen Ferguson
June 19, 2009
To The Varner Family,
All who had the joy of knowing Dr. Kelly Varner were blessed, and we feel doubly blessed!! Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the Lord comfort and sustain you during this difficult time!
veverly wyche
June 18, 2009
To the beloved varner family,
we will pray to the God of all comfort, to comfort and be your Peace at this time.
With heart felt sympathy
Love
Dr.Veverly & Larry Wyche
Millstone twp. NJ
Shepard
June 18, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time, if theirs anyhting we can do to assist you at this time, please dont hesitate to ask.
Love,
James & Carolene Shepard and Family
Gail McQuade
June 18, 2009
I know there are many, like myself, who followed Dr. Varner's ministry for many, many, years. He was and is truly a great man of God who will be sorely missed. I know his voice and his message will continue to reach to the ends of the earth. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and church.
Gail McQuade (Hammond, LA)
Phyllis Isenhart
June 18, 2009
To the family I send my deepest condolences. May you take comfort in the fact that he was an inspiration to millions around this world and his teaching will continue to inspire others. He will be sorely missed.
Dee Cobb
June 18, 2009
Thank you Dr. Varner for coming to our church and teaching us. We are so happy to have you watching after us in heaven.
Lauryn Wootten
June 18, 2009
While on earth he dwelt in the heavenlies, and blessed everyone he came in contact with. Praise be to God, as I know Pastor Varner is NOW rejoicing around the throne in the heavenlies! He is now experiencing the utmost intimacy with the Father; he is home!
Corey Family
June 18, 2009
Thank you Varner family for sharing Kelley so generously to many who have and will continue to benefit. Like Jesus, his faithful works have that yesterday, today and tomorrow effect. He lives on in his new promotion. For him there is no loss - only gain; always the more. Sweet sleep Dr. Varner. God, comfort the hearts of your people; especially the Varner family.
Ray & Joyce Fisher
June 18, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Cherish the wonderful memories. God bless you.
Greg & Anne Padgett
June 18, 2009
May the knowledge that the spirit of Pastor Varner has passed upward and inward through the Pearly Gates and is in the presence of our Lord give the family some consolation. Knowing that he will live forever through his teachings and literature blesses us all.
Jan Buscop
June 18, 2009
My sincere condolences to the Varner family. Dr. Kelley Varner has been a very influential man of God and the Lord used him mightily in my life. And I know, He still will.
Jan Buscop
Lichtenburg
South Africa
Bob La Coste
June 18, 2009
Pastor Varner lives in the hearts of the tens of thousands of people he has touched, over the amazing course of his life. We were all blessed by him, in awesome ways; with his life he altered the course of ours, drawing us closer to God, whom he loves and serves.
To Mrs. Varner, April, Jonathan, Joy Beth, and David; may God give you strength to make one day at a time, and give you peace each night. Thank you for sharing Pastor Varner with us.
Pam and Dennis Jarman
June 17, 2009
While we are deeply sorry for the family's loss, we celebrate with you the life of Kelly Varner. What a gifted Man of God he was, with a vast knowledge of the Scriptures. Just as you, the family, has suffered a great loss, so has the Body of Christ. Our prayers are with you.
Kevin Adams
June 17, 2009
Kevin Adams
Dr. Varner taught me the truth. I'm the preacher I am today because of some of the things he poured into me. I love him and we miss him. See you later Bro.
Stacie Swindell Horne
June 17, 2009
To the Varner Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
wm.daniel john
June 17, 2009
my deepest heartfelt condolences & sympathy to the whole kelley varner family-alone with the unversal family of god.i first met father kelley in springfield mo.as an member of bill brittons family of believers in 1983-- since that time & especially after the passing of bill kelley was an mentor in our lords prescious word... father kelley varner had the greatest most anointed bible mind that i have ever been privileged to gleame from. he taught me much of the foundational truths that has established me within the gospel of jesus---as it pertaines to the kingdom of god... i will always eternally be grateful to our lord jesus for placeing father kelley into my life--- i wanted more--much more--but iam grateful for that portion that i have recieved from the varner---praise tabernacle family...to jonathan---remember --- that kelleys strength-is -your strength...may our lord jesus continue to bless the whole tabernacle family--- with all my enduring love... wm.daniel john/glorygateministries.
Samuel Duran
June 17, 2009
Pastor Varner will truely be missed. To the family, and especially Johnathan, we send our condolences and prayers. Be blessed in the knowledges of how many people, including myself, that your father, through the grace of God, reached with his ministry. His legacy will continue through all of you.
June 17, 2009
Our prayers go out to the Varner family during this time. May brother Varner's legacy continue in those he shared it with.
Michelle Black, California
Johnnie & Catina Mciver
June 17, 2009
May the Peace of God be with you doing this time and may you feel His comfort in the time to come. Dr. Varner is truly a gift that touch the lives of so many and unveiled a place in the Kingdom of God like only he could. My family has sat in many of his teachings while he visited our church -Covenat Christian Church , Newton NC. We also have had the pleasure of reading some of his books.
God Bless--
Sara Diaz
June 17, 2009
I heard him speak at a Third Day conference about The Gift and how we are the gift. It has made a wonderful change in my life. He has been a gift to us all.
CONNIE,RICKY ROBINSON
June 17, 2009
WE WILL ALWAYS TREASURE OUR TIMES WITH BROTHER VARNER. HE TAUGHT US SO MUCH IN THE TIME WE WERE BLESSED TO BE PART OF THE PRAISE TABERNACLE FAMILY. AFTER WE MOVED AWAY, WE WERE ALWAYS EXCITED TO VISIT THERE OR SOMEWHERE ELSE HE WAS MINISTERING. I ALSO HAVE VERY FOND MEMORIES OF WORKING WITH HIM IN THE TAPE ROOM.HE WILL ALWAYS BE LOVED HERE @ OUR HOUSE AND IN OUR FAMILY. OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS TO HIS WONDERFUL FAMILY HE LOVES SO MUCH.
Andriel Crawford
June 17, 2009
Our prayers and condolences truly go to you in your time of bereavement. Our family had the great pleasure of meeting and being under the teaching of such a powerful man of God when Dr. Varner visited our church "Miracle Life Church", in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. We pray that God will give you his peace, that surpasses all understanding and that you will continue to embrace and cherish your husband, father and grandfather's precious memory.
God bless and keep you,
Amanda R
June 17, 2009
Dr Varner was a true man of God and a blessing to anyone that he came encounter with. He never backed down when it came to speaking the truth of the Gospel. He will be missed here on earth but God knows what he is doing. Thank you Lord for such a blessing!
Hiram Dorado
June 17, 2009
Dr. Varner was a very transparent leader (the kind of biblical leaders that are rare to find now at days). Knowing that Father’s Day is near to us, to be going into our Heavenly Father’s chambers could be the best present any true devoted father could receive. But I still cannot ignore the hurt and sorrow of loosing a great Man of God. Although he didn’t know and he didn’t meet me personally, he was and he will be always the mentor God put in my path to go after HIM and apprehend His presence. Thank you Doctor Varner, I will always treasure the words you said to me in an email you sent me: “Go after your dream.”
Hiram
God’s friends.net
Kenneth Hudson
June 17, 2009
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
James Rowe
June 17, 2009
Pastor Varner was a mentor to my family and me for almost thirty years. From that we learned much. His life will go on in his books and other media. To the entire family, thank you for sharing him all these years. May peace be with you.
wayne miller
June 16, 2009
Dr. Varner was one of the greatest Bible teachers of the past 50 years. He is known all around the world among the Body of Christ. Only God can understand why He chose to take him at this time in Church History. Our hearts go out to all of his family. He has left to all of us a great and valuable legacy of the Word of God.
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