John Crawford Varnell

John Crawford Varnell obituary, Chattanooga, TN

John Crawford Varnell

John Varnell Obituary

Visit the Companion Funeral & Cremation Service - Chattanooga website to view the full obituary.

John Crawford Varnell, 68, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on April 29, 2025.

John was a man of quiet faith, attending Mercy Ridge Church and living his life with kindness and dedication. Though non-denominational in religion, he was deeply spiritual and found peace in service and love for his family.

He had a lifelong passion for repairing small appliances, always finding joy in fixing what others thought was broken-a skill that reflected his patient and giving nature. Above all, John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose presence brought comfort and strength to those around him.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Cora L. and Charles Crawford Varnell; his parents, Earl F. Varnell and Mary E. Klinedinst (Varnell); his sister, Sherry Lebos; brother, Earl F. Varnell Jr.; his beloved children, Ricky C. Varnell and Jeniece Louise Page.

John leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memory: his wife, Alma Louise Varnell; sons John Michael Page and Dennis Floyd (Shannon); daughters Amy Massengale (Patrick) and Joyce Elaine Putnam (Steve); sisters Kay Benik (Harold) and Sheila Veller; 13 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and his former spouse, Susie G. Varnell.

In honor of John's generous heart and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.

Companion Funeral & Cremation Service - Chattanooga

6018 John Douglass Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37421

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