Henry C. Varnes Jr.

VARNES Mr. Henry C. Varnes, Jr., 72, of Waynesville, GA died Thursday (Oct. 14, 2004) at the SE Georgia Regional Medical Center in Brunswick, following a lengthy illness. A native of Lake Butler, FL, he was the son of Henry Calvin Varnes, Sr. and Hattie Mae Shaw Varnes. His first wife, Moy Brown Varnes and a granddaughter, Leigh Jay, preceded him in death. Mr. Varnes retired after 34 years from the Florida Times Union. A well-known and established auctioneer since 1984, he owned and operated Brantley County's oldest licensed Auction House. He was a highly respected pioneer leader in the auction field and helped to establish a majority of S.E. GA's auctioneers in business today throughout the area. He proudly served his country as a United States Marine. Involved in the Korean War and overseas. He was a life long member of the H-3-7 combat veterans. He fought courageously and honorably with the H Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, and 1st Marine Division. Past years he was a ctive with local community activities and charities. He was a man who greatly enjoyed communicating through wonderfully written letters. He loved life and people, and was a humble servant to many. A devoted and loving husband and father, his light and knowledge will forever leave an impression on our hearts. He will be missed. He is survived by his wife Marcia Harris Varnes of Waynesville, GA; 2 sons, Henry Calvin Varnes, III of Waynesville, GA and Gary Ray Varnes (Judy) of Temple, GA; 2 daughters, Teresa Lynn Jay of Jacksonville, FL and Brenda Ann Wright (Rodger) of Hinesville, GA; step-son, Marshal Kelly Nail of Brunswick, GA; 6 grandchildren, Russell, Kelly, Brandon, Jessica, Bubba and Amber; 3 Great Grandchildren, Eyan, Nolen and Skyler; 5 sisters, Maryann Catanese, Florrie Richardson, Candy McCall, Pauline Varnes, Gladys Varnes and 2 brothers, Thomas Varnes and Freddy Varnes all of Middleburg, FL; several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Visitation will be Sunday at 6:00 at t he Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Monday (Oct. 18, 2004) at 1:00 pm at Waynesville Baptist Church with Rev. Mitch Thompson and Rev. Jack Pickren officiating. Burial will follow in the Highsmith Cemetery, Waynesville. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Mitchell Jones, Brent Green, Brantley Co. EMS, FL Times Employees, Arlie McNeill, Jesse Thomas, Jeffrey Lee, John Zolinhofer, Glynn Sweat, Mariann Rowland, Wayne Cafarel, Jimmy Souter, Jim Watson, Donald Pierce, Phillip Hand, Boots Floyd, Donnie Gibson and Curtis Minix. Pallbearers will be James Fox, Larry Groover, Dennis Swain, Terry Dickson, Richard Strickland and Tony Spear. Arrangements are with Chambless-Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta. Please sign the Guestbook at Jacksonville.com