James "Jimmy" Varner
March 7, 1921 — October 10, 2006
James “Jimmy” Franklin Varner, 85, of Monterey died Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at Ruxton Health of Staunton. He was born March 7, 1921 at Mustoe a son of the late Arthur Clarence Varner and Elsie (Corbett) Varner. He was raised in the Advent Christian Faith. On June 21, 1947 he married Norma Lee Snyder of Doe Hill.
Mr. Varner was always an avid horseman; having shown horses over a wide area for many years and had acted as not only a riding instructor but as a farrier and trainer as well. He had owned and operated a breeding business working with registered saddlebred and walking horses. He was a member of the American Saddlebred Horse Association, the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ Association, and the American Saddlebred Museum and was always willing to share his knowledge of the horse business with others.
Mr. Varner was a member of the VFW having served in the Pacific Theatre with the US Army (Americal Division) during WWII. A very patriotic man, Jimmy was always very proud of his contribution to his county, and had the utmost respect for the US Flag. He was a farmer and had operated the Swiss Esso Service Station for a number of years.
He is survived by his wife, Norma Varner of Monterey; a daughter, Vonne Kameron Siron of Weyers Cave; two grandchildren James Evan Siron, and Lauren Mercedes Siron; three sisters, Judith V. King, Mabel V. Snyder and Velda V. Smith all of Staunton and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
A funeral service will be conducted 3 p.m., Friday, October 13, 2006 at Obaugh Funeral Home in McDowell with the Rev. Donald E. Rose and Pastor Chip Hill officiating. Interment will follow in the Monterey Cemetery.
Active Pallbearers will be John Burke, Terry Harper, Ross Hefner, Perry Huffer II, Clem Kincaid, Aareon Murray, Jerry Rexrode and Sheldon Waggy. Honorary Pallbearers will be friends in attendance.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Victory Chapel Advent Christian Church, %Irene McAllister, P.O. Box 446, Monterey, the Highland County Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 268, Monterey, or the Highland Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 267, Monterey, VA 24465.