Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Obituary
Guest Book
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.
6018 John Douglass Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more