Johnny Willie Varner Jr.
Johnny Willie Varner Jr.
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Johnny Varner Obituary
Johnny Willie Varner Jr., a pillar of the Gainesville community, was born to Johnny and Juanita Varner in Gainesville, Ga., on the 15th of January, 1963. He passed away after an extended illness at Northeast Georgia's Medical Center in Braselton, Georgia, on the 26th of June, 2025. Johnny lived a life devoted to his family, and his country.
Funeral arrangements will be Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 2:00 PM, in the Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 PM prior to the service, on July 3, 2025, at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
In 1981, Johnny graduated from Johnson High School, and furthered his education at the University of Phoenix, obtaining a Bachelor's degree. He honorably served in the United States Army in the Iraq War, and retired after 20 years, as an E-7 Sergeant First Class. He admirably worked with Goodwill of North Georgia, up until his retirement earlier this year. He respectably used his broad skills and talents to serve his local community as a Planning Commissioner for District 4 in Hall County. Johnny served as a Commander at Post 521, held executive positions at Post 328 as well as Post 7, and served The District Commander for the 9th district.
In 1986 he and Leisa Goss married, and for 39 years, they shared a life full of dedication, purpose, and commitment to raising their boys and five grandchildren.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Leisa Goss Varner; his children: Chaz Varner of Morrow, Ga., Jonathan and April Varner of Hoschton, Ga., Austin Varner of Gainesville, Ga., and Anthony Williams of Atlanta, Ga. His grandchildren: Arianna, Cameron, Dallas, Maverick, and Houston. His brother: Eric Varner, and Donna Lyles of Gainesville, Ga. His aunts: Ruby Tyson of Hartford Ct., Mary Townes of Columbus, Ga., Mae Varner of Gainesville, Ga., and Mary Tyson and Albany, Ga.; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, family, friends, and coworkers.
Johnny was preceded in death by his parents: Mr. Johnny Willie Varner Sr., and Mrs. Juanita Tyson Varner.
Johnny's service, devotion, and love for others will be cherished forever by his family, friends, and the vast number of lives he touched. For that, we are forever indebted to Johnny.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Drive, Gainesville, Georgia 30504 is in charge of the arrangements.
Send online condolences to memorialparkfuneralhomes.com
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Sarah Roberts
July 9, 2025
Johnny demonstrated a positive and meaningful impact on me. I met him as a student intern in college in 2017 then a few years later, I ran into him at a company event where he told me about the job at Goodwill. His no nonsense approach may seem harsh or even rude to people who don't know him, but to me it was the way Johnny demonstrated his ability to light fires in people. Mr. Varner was the epitome of a tough, yet kind and funny soul. We celebrated his retirement at the end of January and I'll never forget his antics and nickname for me. Til next time sir
Prayers for the family and lean on Him during this time.
Beverly Mays
July 3, 2025
My sincere condolences to the family. My prayers are with you during your time of grief. It was a pleasure to know and work with Johnny, he was kind and friendly.
Valerie Johnson
July 2, 2025
It has been nearly 5 years since I left Goodwill for Veterans Affairs. One of my last assigned sites was Oakwood where I worked alongside Johnny on a weekly basis. He was always welcoming and willing to give me a helping hand whenever I needed. One of my favorite memories was daily cleaning all the desks, chairs, computers...really all surfaces that job seekers could come into contact with as they looked for employment. We even cleaned the legs of the chairs. It was during the height of COVID-19 after all. I loved serving with this Veteran who was passionate and committed to his clients, colleagues, and community. I´m so glad I knew Johnny. My deepest condolences to his family! Valerie Johnson
Leonard Whitehead
July 2, 2025
I was truly saddened to hear about the loss of Johnny Varner. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. As a fellow veteran and co-worker I pray for the family.
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Ralfiel Worthem
July 2, 2025
I had the extreme pleasure of working closely with Johnny for his entire Goodwill of North Georgia tenure. When you spend so much time together your bond turns from work colleagues into family. We would call each other to vent, laugh or joke about almost anything. He was not only my brother in arms as a veteran but also a friend. Our last time together was sharing memories and laughs at his retirement celebration from Goodwill. Those who turned out acknowledged their deep respect and admiration for Johnny, which is a true testament of a legacy and life well lived. I will cherish the bond we had and all the words of encouragement he spoke into my life. Rest easy my brother, "Wakanda Forever".
Carl Walker
July 1, 2025
I Pray that God will give you strength and Healing. .
Sylvia Mosley
June 30, 2025
While Johnny and I never worked directly together at Goodwill, it was a blessing and an honor to be on the same team and to strive to carry out the same mission. While our interactions were nearly always brief, they were colored with Johnny´s warmth and humor, wit and kindness. Johnny greatly contributed to Goodwill´s culture of treating everyone he served and worked with with dignity and respect. My heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Leissa Varner and his entire family. May you be covered with God´s comfort and peace. -Sylvia Mosley
Tiffani T. Noble
June 30, 2025
To the Family,
I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Johnny. He was kind, patient, and knowledgeable.
Johnny, thank you for your dedication and your service!
I pray for an abundance of comfort and strength during this time. May his memory and love forever keep you.
Jess Moore
June 30, 2025
I didn't know Mr. Varner well; he was nearing retirement just as I was coming into Goodwill of North GA Decatur. We exchanged a few emails for work. :) I heard so many great things about his commitment & service to the Gainsville/Oakwood area, & how he was loved and respected by his colleagues & so many others. I just wanted to give my deepest condolences to his family. Rest in Power.
Zina Frame-Leonard
June 29, 2025
Johnny used too love peanuts Quinton Irvin and I were sitting at a TTF years ago and had a handful of something and thought he was shaking dice lol joking with him askung what he had and he said "yall don't know how good peanuts are!" We laughed so hard
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