The Funeral Service for Veteran Charlie Harry Varner of Americus, Georgia will be held on Friday, January 10, 2020 at 12:00 Noon at the Andersonville National Cemetery, Andersonville, Georgia.
Charlie H. Varner was born July 27, 1947 in Ellaville, Georgia. He was nurtured by his loving grandparents, the late Mr. George Varner and Mrs. Claudia Varner and his parents, the late Mr. James Hiawatha Ross and Mrs. Mary Varner Ross.
First Class Petty Officer Charlie H. Varner peacefully entered into eternal rest on Sunday, January 5, 2020 at Magnolia Manor Nursing Center. A dear one has gone from us; a voice we love is still. A place in our heart is vacant that can nevermore be filled. Charlie was preceded in death by his wife, Minister Gloria Golphin Varner on January 14, 2018. Siblings, James Ross Jr. and Mary Ross Stephens also preceded him in death.
At an early age Charlie accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and was a former member of New Corinth Baptist Church of Ellaville, Georgia. He was educated in the public school system of Schley County where he graduated in 1964 from John Lewis High School. After completing high school, Charlie enlisted in the United States Navy in 1965. He served his country honorably in the United States Navy for more than twenty years. Charlie qualified and was chosen to be part of United States Navy’s Silent Service, Submarine Duty to which he served on fully submerged vessels hundreds of feet underwater for extended time periods; many times as the only African- American submariner. Charlie persevered and was a credit to his country, the United States Navy and his race. He served on the USS Pollack (SSN603), the USS Whale (SSN638) and the USS Greenling (SSN614). Charlie received numerous commendations while in the Navy, which included the Meritorious Unit Commendation from USS Pollack (SSN603), Meritorious Unit Commendation from USS Greenling (SSN614), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Good Conduct Award, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Commendation Ribbon, Battle Efficiency Award, Commander Sixth Fleet Letter of Commendation, Navy Expeditionary Award and many other awards during his military career.
After returning to Georgia, he later joined Little Creek Baptist Church of Lilly, Georgia. During retirement Charlie enjoyed cooking delicious meals, attending church, and helping others. He had a sharp mind, full of wisdom, and offered spiritual encouragement to many people.
Charlie leaves to cherish his memories his children: Minister Jeanettia Varner, Valerie Varner Williams (Ricardo) all of New London, Connecticut and Charlie H. Varner, Jr. (Ann) of Delaware; his sisters: Jackie Ross and Linda Ross of Americus, Georgia, Patty (Lee) Young of Rockwall, Texas and Sandy Colwell of McDonough, Georgia; brothers-in-law; Willie Golphin (Elma) of Americus, Georgia, Reverend Freddie Golphin of Oglethorpe, Georgia, Lonzia Golphin (Helen) of Americus, Georgia and James E. Golphin of Memphis, Tennessee; a sister-in-law, Janace Golphin Davis (Donnie) of Byron, Georgia; nine grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
To view this service live or at a later date, click on the link below:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/CTFY4VcAPbQ