Nicholas Eugene "Sonny" VARNEY

Nicholas Eugene (Sonny) Varney, 70, of Glen Allen, Va., and formerly of Salem, Va., died on Sunday, September 5, 2010, at Henrico Doctors Hospital in Richmond, Va., after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He died on his wedding anniversary.

Nicholas was a veteran of the Vietnam War, during which he not only fell in love with Kathy, but also the country and its people. He once said that serving in the Air Force was one of his proudest achievements.

He spent most of his childhood in Williamson, W.Va., the middle son of the late Clayton and Lorraine Varney. As a child, he loved and excelled in football, basketball, and especially baseball. He served faithfully and lovingly at First Baptist Church in Williamson, W.Va., until he joined the United States Air Force in 1960.

As he grew older, he devoted his life to his children, enjoying countless hours of teaching them golf and tennis, and attending their sports competitions and numerous piano recitals. He earned his Masters of Education from the University of Virginia, and served as a teacher at Back Creek Elementary School in Roanoke County for 24 years.

After his retirement he spent much of his time in his other home country, Vietnam, and also time in Florida. He spent his last days surrounded by his family and friends. He said, of his last days, that it brought him great joy to be with his children and to see the smiling face of his granddaughter, Olivia. His faith in God, Heaven, and being cared for by his loving daughter and son in his final days brought complete peace to his mind and spirit.

He served four years with distinction in the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Air Force never left him, as friends, family and former students will attest. Although he served his country with great pride, his greatest joy was loving his children and helping them grow.

Nicholas is survived by his former wife, Kathy; and three children, Dr. Kimberly Varney Gill (Dr. Sujoy Gill), Dr. Nicholas Le Varney (Dr. Catherine Welford Varney), and Michael Varney Donovan; two grandchildren, Olivia Madeleine Gill and Ryan Varney Donovan; two brothers, Lannie Varney (Dottie Varney) and Steve Varney (Ruth Varney); niece, Sandra Varney Vosika; nephews, Rodney Varney, Jacob Varney, Clayton Varney, and David Varney; and sisters-in-law, Dottie Varney and Ruth Varney.

A Graveside Military Service for family and friends will be held 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 11, 2010, in the Abbey Chapel at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem, Va. with Pastor Michael Curry officiating.