Robert Varner
Mr. Robert Wayne Varner, age 77, of Covington, went to sleep with his Lord and Savior Thursday, October 10, 2024, at the Brian Center Nursing Care, Low Moor. He was the husband of Maureen Jo (Joy) Breeden Varner.
Mr. Varner was born February 21, 1947 in Virginia, the son of Mildred Cash Frye and the late M.K. (Mutt) Frye (stepfather who raised him) and his father, the late Albert Luther Varner. Following his high school graduation, Bobby entered into the United States Army where he served in Vietnam. Bobby attained the rank of Sergeant (E-5) and was an ANPHIB Operator. He won several awards and accommodations for his service to this country.
Mr. Varner started his working career by working for his grandfather and stepfather during the summers as well as for the Camp Appalachia. Then he worked as manager and bookkeeper for Pinehurst Esso before going to work at the former Hercules, Inc. Bobby then worked in the security department of Hollins College where he assisted in setting up a First Responder program. Mr. Varner went to work for Westvaco where he was in various departments and assisting with the start-up of No. 1 Paper Machine, retiring with twenty-five years of service.
Mr. Varner joined the Falling Spring Rescue Squad and Fire Department in 1984 where he held many offices. Over the years he was awarded squadman of the year as well as outstanding member and Buddy Bishop award. He was the treasurer for the Falling Spring Fire and Rescue Corporation and served as Board of Governors for the squad for over twenty-five years. Bobby continued to hold the position of social officer up until his death. Mr. Varner was awarded the District I life membership in 2011 where he held the position of District I Treasurer where he set them up to be 501C Compliant and have an INT Banking Account.
Mr. Varner was a member of Falling Spring Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
In addition to his wife and mother, Mr. Varner is survived by his children, Timothy Varner, Suzanne Phillips and husband, William and Jonathan Varner and wife, Stacy; his grandchildren, Spencer, Mason, David and Tyler and wife, Lauren; sister, Wanda Jean Broce; aunts, Lucille Cash Staton and Patricia Noel ; and nephews, Christopher , Todd, Roy, Shawn, Tommy, and Alan Dale; and special people, Richard Lee Varner (his brother from a different mother) and wife, Shirley, Phillip Miller, Willie Reynolds and Larry Craft.
In addition to his father and stepfather, Mr. Varner was preceded in death by his grandparents, George R. and Myrtle Cash and his nephew, Nicholas Broce.
A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 15, 2024 from the chapel of Loving Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Matlack officiating. Interment will follow in Falling Spring Evangelical Presbyterian Church Cemetery
Pallbearers will be Larry Craft, Willie Reynolds, Aaron Reynolds, Mark Reynolds, Anthony Lowry, Eddie Smith, Curt Martin and Christopher Broce.
The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 7:00 P.M. until 8:30 P.M. at Loving Funeral Home.
The family suggests that memorial tributes take the form of contributions to a charity of your choice.
The family wishes to thank the staff and volunteers at the Brian Center Nursing Care for the compassionate care and help they provided to Mr. Varner.
Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; to view Mr. Varner's memorial tribute page, please visit www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.
