George Edward Varnedoe

George Edward Varnedoe, age 99, of Liberty County, Georgia, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home in Augusta, Georgia.

He was affectionally called Romey by his family and friends. George was born on November 22, 1926, in the McIntosh community of Liberty County, Georgia to the parents of George Warren Varnedoe and Mable Williams Varnedoe. He received his early education in the Liberty County School System and graduated from Liberty County Training School. Following his honorable service to the United States Army as a war veteran, he continued his education at Savannah State University, formally Savannah State College, earning his degree as a proud member of the Class of 1951. He later completed graduate studies in guidance and counseling at Atlanta University, strengthening the foundation for his lifelong commitment to education and youth development.

George dedicated his career to serving students as an educator and counselor, including many years at Wayne County School System, Liberty County School System and the McIntosh County School System. His quiet strength, steady wisdom, and unwavering belief in the potential of young people left a lasting mark on generations of students, colleagues, and community members. He was recognized in Who's Who in the South and Southwest for his leadership and professional excellence.

On January 15, 1950, George married the late Rena Belle Wynn Varnedoe. Their union of 54 years remained a testament to faith, partnership, and devotion to family. Together they raised five children and built a home rooted in education, service, Christian values and watching Walter Cronkite in silence every night at 6:30 p.m. in front of the television.

A lifelong member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Midway, George served faithfully as a Steward and lay leader, most closely connected with St. Peter's A.M.E. Church in Midway, Georgia. His claim is he walked up to the pastor by himself and gave his hand to the church at 3-years old. His service to his church reflected his deep faith, disciplined spirit, and commitment to living a life of purpose. In his later years, as his health needs increased, he continued to worship and remain connected to A.M.E. traditions. As he got older, he often blessed us with "Come On In The Room" with his melodious voice.

Brother Varnedoe was also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and was most recently reactivated, rekindling his joy in fellowship and the fraternity's principles of Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service. The Brotherhood visited him twice, while he was in the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home in Augusta, GA. George was active in civic and community life throughout Liberty County. He contributed to the advancement of civil rights and community empowerment, including being one of the organizers of the Liberty County Branch of the NAACP. He also mentored young people through organizations such as the Explorer Scouts, where he served as an advisor to Post 607.

George was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rena Belle Wynn Varnedoe; his daughter, Marjory Varnedoe; his son, Franklin Lamar Varnedoe; granddaughter, Ashley Varnedoe; Sisters Lula Belle Varnedoe and Ophelia Clark; Brothers: Lewis Varnedoe, Leroy Varnedoe and Charles Varnedoe.

He leaves to cherish his memory: Daughters: Dr. Matilda F. (Warren) Riles; Dr. Celestine Varnedoe (Andrew) Jackson; and Arnita Varnedoe (Eric) Jones. Grandchildren: A devoted and loving legacy of grandchildren, including Reina, Matrice, Nathalie, Phyllis, Tia, Marcell, VerShawn, Cleland, GeoVarn, Varena, and Brandon. Great-grandchildren: 17 great-grandchildren who carry forward his name, pride, and wisdom. Sisters Ozetta Jackson; Earlene Martin, Mabel Ellison, Sisters in Law Gail Varnedoe, Leslie Freeman, Barbara Varnedoe, Yong Varnedoe, Velma Varnedoe, Madeline Varnedoe and Ruby Winn. Brothers, Sammie Joe Varnedoe and Clarence Varnedoe. A host of nephews, nieces, cousins, fraternity brothers, church family, former students, neighbors, and friends who give thanks for his long life and a gentle spirit. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the staff and caregivers of the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home in Augusta for their dedicated care and compassion.

The family also rejoices in knowing that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. May his soul find eternal rest, and may we honor his life with love and gratitude.

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