Gary Eugene Varnadore

1936 - 2025

LANCASTER, SC - Mr. Gary Eugene Varnadore passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, at Lancaster Grove Senior Living Community. He was born June 8, 1936, the son of the late Eugene Varnadore and the late Effie Cook Varnadore of Lancaster, SC.
Gary was a graduate of Lancaster High School where he was an outstanding drummer in the marching band. Following graduation, he attended Clemson University and the University of South Carolina and was a member of the marching band at both institutions. Gary received a Bachelor of Arts in French Studies from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Science in Education from Winthrop University.
After college, Gary began his career as an educator, teaching at several area schools including Rock Hill High School, Clinton Middle School, and Lancaster High School. He retired with 32 years of distinguished service to the Lancaster County School District in 1998. Gary was a beloved educator that touched the lives of countless students, inspiring them to reach their full potential. His impact on the generations of students he guided will never be forgotten.
Gary was a man of strong faith and devoted spirituality; he lived his Catholic faith throughout his life. He was one of the original members of St Catherine Catholic Church in Lancaster when it was founded in 1948. He was a loyal daily Mass attendee and taught religious education for 50 years. He served as a lector and altar server for Mass. Gary was also an Oblate of St Benedict associated with Belmont Abbey in Belmont, NC.
Gary was a proud and loyal Knight of Columbus at Christ The King Council in Lancaster for more than 54 years and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Assembly Father Henry Tevlin in Rock Hill. In 2018, he was honored as the State of South Carolina "Knight of the Year". Gary was a Fourth Degree Knight earning the coveted title of "Sir Knight".
Gary is survived by his nieces, Kathryn Wheeler, Eva Cooke, Betsy Mitchel, and Nancy Kerr; his great-nieces, Elizabeth Wheeler, Katie Georges, Willa Mitchel, Caitie Mitchel and his great-nephew, Michael Cooke. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved sister, Esther Varnadore Kerr.
The Funeral Mass for Gary will be celebrated at 10:30 am Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at St Catherine Catholic Church officiated by Father Javier. Burial will follow at Lancaster Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Burgess Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus, Christ King Council 10066, c/o Bruce Hutchison, 757 Ethel Drive, Lancaster, SC 29720.
An online guest register is available for condolences on the obituaries page at www.burgessfunerals.com.
Burgess Funeral Home and Crematory of Lancaster is caring for the family of Mr. Gary Varnadore.