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Varner Lamar Rencher, Sr.
1933 - 2020
Varner Lamar Rencher, Sr.
1933 - 2020
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1933
DIED
2020
Varner Rencher, Sr. Obituary
Varner Lamar Rencher Sr., 87, of Clarksdale, Mississippi, died in Union City, Tennessee. Mr. Rencher was surrounded by his beloved wife of 61 years, Vernice Smith Rencher, immediate family and dedicated health professionals.
Varner Lamar Rencher, Sr. was born May 11, 1933, in Scooba, Mississippi to the Reverend Ollie L. and Mrs. Lizzie L. Rencher. As the son of a United Methodist pastor, Rencher resided in a number of north Mississippi communities; however, a significant portion of his youth was spent in Holly Springs. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Rust College and Master of Science and Education Specialist degrees from Delta State University.
Rencher served in the United States Army prior to working more than forty-two years in the Coahoma County and the Clarksdale Public School systems as a teacher, guidance counselor, coach, and sports announcer. The majority of his professional career was at W. A. Higgins High School and later W. A. Higgins Junior High School. He was the owner and operator of R&R Crafts and Rencher’s This & That from 1980 until 2017.
He was a member of national, state, and local educator and counselor associations, and several community and civic organizations, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Sycamore-Riley Block Club, and Rust College Alumni Association. As a lifelong member of the United Methodist denomination, Rencher spent his adult life as an active member of Haven United Methodist Church, serving as youth director, Sunday School teacher, United Methodist Men president, and a member of various committees, including the Board of Trustees, Administrative Council, and Pastor-Parish Relations Committee. His passion was always to invest in youth and in humanity.
He is survived by his wife, Vernice Smith Rencher; their children, Varner L. Rencher Jr. (Tracy), the Reverend Ollie V. Rencher (Ellie), and Petra Rencher McPhearson (Christopher); grandchildren, Victoria Rencher and Amanda McPhearson; one sister, Ollie Belle Rencher Dowsing; in-laws; and friends. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by one sister, Marie Rencher McGirt, two brothers, Rodell Rencher and Felix Rencher, and extended family.
A private burial service will be attended by family. A public memorial service will be offered after coronavirus restrictions are lifted at Haven United Methodist Church in Clarksdale, Mississippi. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to Haven United Methodist Church, 404 Yazoo Avenue, Clarksdale, MS 38614 or to the Varner L. Rencher Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund at Rust College, 150 Rust Avenue, Holly Springs, MS 38635.
Rawls Funeral Home - 731-885-8110
Angela Tolliver Tate
September 2, 2020
Varner, I was saddened to hear about your father. He was a wonderful person whom I admired greatly. May God comfort you and your family in the days to come.
Shirlene Green Smith
August 27, 2020
My sincere condolences to the Rencher family. Mr. Rencher was an exceptional counselor (my favorite). He was always willing to listen and share his infinite wisdom. He was one of a kind. God bless.
Virginia Smith
August 25, 2020
Rest in Heaven Mr Rencher I will always remember you as my special teacher at Higgins High School, Clarksdale, Ms. class of “68”.
Omar&Kachena Avery
August 24, 2020
May God Bless you and your family!! Praying for the entire family!!
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Ralph & Emma Simpson
August 23, 2020
We loved Mr. Rencher. He was so knowledgeable and inspirational. - Praying for the entire family. Love y'all!!!
Lewis Belleau
August 22, 2020
Varner, you and your family are in our prayers. May God Continue to hold you and your family in his arms. Prayers going up!
Lawrence Alexander and Family
August 22, 2020
I hope that our Lord brings you and your family the much-needed peace during this sad time. My condolences to you and your family. I am honored and blessed to have known your father. He was truly a blessing in not just my life but hundreds more. He will be missed. Condolences to you and your family from the Alexander’s.
Mr.& Mrs William Carter
August 22, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
ALCE SMITH JR FAMILY
August 21, 2020
As a young family on Sycamore Street in Clarksdale, Mississippi Mr. Rencher was one of the leaders of our "village".
His influence has followed our family since those early years. We appreciate the closeness and friendship of the entire family. We know that loving memories will keep him close to you always. We love you and mourn your loss.
James E & Bettie F Mabry
August 21, 2020
With sympathy and understanding to the family of Lamar Rencher. I met Larmar when I arrived at Rust the fall of 1954. Over the years have seen him many time at Rust College events and several time at other places. He was a great Rust Alumni and a good friend always with a smile.
Lula Eley Young
August 21, 2020
Mr. Rencher__ Ever guiding and advising Words of wisdom Heart for listening Educating ever Educating Comedic lines inter-twined Care in action Filled with compassion Long life__Well lived. Lula Eley Young
Palmer and Gigi Rolfes
August 21, 2020
We're so sad for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Gigi and Palmer
Thornton Liggans
August 20, 2020
I send my deepest sympathy on the passing of your loved one. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Anthony &. Dee Sturdivant
August 20, 2020
Chris and Petra McPhearson and family, Praying God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Demetria Watson
August 20, 2020
Uncle Varner will be greatly missed. He always had words of wisdom for us.
He also knew how to make us laugh! He was a wonderful example of how to be a great husband and father.
With Love,
Demetria Watson, niece
Brenda Mitchell-Hunter
August 20, 2020
With Sympathy Thinking of you in these difficult times and sending love.
Latriest Pruitt Fisher
August 20, 2020
Mr.Rencher was an extraordinary man of God!!! He always encouraged me and checked on my children and always told me to stay in Church and keep them in Church. I’m glad God allowed us to cross paths. God send The Holy Ghost to comfort his family.
Doretha Turner
August 20, 2020
Mr. Rencher was one of the nicest people I could talk to when I attended W.A. Higgins. He was always the same everytime you see him. Always cheery and always spoke no matter where you see him. Sincere condolences to his wife and family. He was a very humble man. R.I.L
Mr. Rencher
Gloria Gipson
August 19, 2020
He was a jewel!! Wonderful instructor and just and all around guy. Will truly be missed by my son and his family and my family. God bless you all Mrs. Rencher and family. We love you all. Gloria Harrison Gipson and Birley C. Gipson, Sr. Class 1967
Dorothy Harrison Moses
August 19, 2020
Mr. Rencher was one of the best teachers I ever had. Class of '68
Mary Caradine
August 19, 2020
Mr. Rencher touched a lot of lives and that’s putting it mildly. Everyone you meet or have met had a story to tell about Mr. Rencher. He was one of a kind. Rencher Family, may the comfort of the Lord sustain you now and forever.
The Caradine Family - Mary, Cheri, Tracy and Timothy
Brenda M. Jones
August 19, 2020
Mr. Rencher, always had good advice for you. He will be missed. My your family find solace in the good memories y'all shared together. Rest in Peace Mr. Rencher.
Nolan Brown
August 19, 2020
Rest Well Sir Wrencher. May God be with You All ❤
Rhonda Washington
August 19, 2020
Mr. Rencher was a wonderful man. I could always look forward to his kind words of wisdom when I visited. I pray for strength and peace for your family.
Maggie Crawford
August 19, 2020
Rest In Peace, Mr. Rencher. May Mrs. Rencher and the family find comfort in the warm, rich memories of his well lived life. Maggie Daily Crawford (Former Higgins High Student)
Ed Vaughn Jr
August 19, 2020
I will always remember Mr Rencher as a good man active in the community. He'd make our league trophies, announce our football games, and plus I'd see him at church every Sunday. Always had a smile and was FULL of advice, just a wise and gentle man. I'm sorry for the family's loss. I hope they all stay strong during this time.
Regina Bryant- Bowie
August 19, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Tanja Holden Grainger
August 19, 2020
Condolences and Love to the Rencher Family. Mr. Rencher was always a fine example to us all who he came in contact with! Rest in Love, My Favorite School Counselor!❤
Johnny Patterson
August 19, 2020
I did not know Mr Varner Sr; I know Varner Rencher Jr. For his son to be so proud and honor his father everyday in all circumstances where I have been present, makes me see that Varner Rencher Sr was a good and gracious man
John Veal
August 18, 2020
Sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you during these times.
Laura Phelps
August 18, 2020
So sorry for your loss he was such a nice person was kind to every one but God will get you all through this praying for the family
August 18, 2020
To Petra and Chris McPhearson, as well as the entire Rencher Family, I am deeply saddened for your loss. However, I am encouraged by the long life Mr. Rencher had and the legacy he leaves in all of you. Lean on each other and pull from the strength embedded in you.
Love Always
Derrick and Cassandra(Sandy) Griffin
Mr & Mrs Richard Elam
August 17, 2020
Mr & Mrs. McPhearson and family.....So sorry to hear of your loss, your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
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1325 E. Main St. P.O. Box 742, Union City, TN 38261
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