Ernest Erwin Varney

Ernest Erwin Varney “A Soldier Goes Home” Ernest Erwin Varney, Major (Ret.) U.S. Army, age 87, reported to his final duty station on Feb. 5, 2017. Major Varney was born in Red Jacket, West Virginia on Jan. 21, 1930. He moved to Pensacola, FL in Dec. 1977, where he directed the Service Mans Christian center until retiring in 1989. He was a member of Pensacola Christian College Campus Church, where he served as a Lay Shepard. Major Varney joined the U.S. Army in 1945 and served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He rose through the ranks from Private to Major. His first two years were served in the infantry and remaining twenty years in artillery with thirteen years as an army aviator. His medals include: the Distinguished Flying Cross; two Bronze Star Medals; Army Commendation Medal; four overseas service bars; seven Air Medals; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Good Conduct Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with four Campaign Stars; Meritorious Service Medal; National Defense Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; Senior Army Aviator Badge; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; United Nations Service Medal; Korean Service Medal with three Campaign Stars; Army of Occupation Medal (Japan); and World War 2 Victory Medal. Major Varney’s greatest promotion came when he received Jesus Christ as his Savior in 1964 and became a Private in the Lord’s Army. Major Varney was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Franklin and Pearl Varney; his son, Jack Witten Varney; his brother, Clyde; half-sister, Gladys; and half-brother, Victor. Survivors include his loving wife of 68 years, Gwendolyn Varney; brother, Samuel Franklin Varney, Jr.; sisters, Evelyn Miller and Adeline Woods; his children, Steve (Faye), Sam (Vickie), Carolyn and Debbie; four grandchildren, Steven, Emily, Jeff and Jonathon; seven great grandchildren, Eric, Jason, Devon, Jayden, Alyssa, Audrey and Grayson. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Campus Church at Pensacola Christian College. The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Chandra, Laya, Tanya and Melissa, all from the VA in Biloxi, for taking such great care of our loved one. We love you all. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME SOUTH, 100 Beverly Pkwy., is entrusted with arrangements. You may send condolences to the family at www.fcfhs.com

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Ernest Erwin Varney

January 21, 1930 - February 5, 2017