Mr. Frank C. Varner, Jr.

Mr. Frank C. Varner, Jr., age 82, of Thomaston, passed away early Thursday morning, February 20, 2020, at his residence. Funeral services for Mr. Varner will be held on Saturday, February 22, at 2:00 PM at First United Methodist Church of Thomaston, with Rev. Andy Cunningham officiating. A private family interment will follow the service in Glenwood cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM prior to the service in the church social hall. Mr. Varner was born on July 6, 1937, to the late Dawn and Frank C. Varner, Sr. Most of his life was spent in Upson County being born in Silvertown. His father was drafted during World War II and the family traveled with him before returning to Thomaston in 1950. Frank was a product of local education. He graduated from Robert E. Lee institute in 1955, and Mercer University in 1959. He was a loyal member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Following college Frank served a tour of active duty with Georgia National Guard and served the local Guard Unit to complete his military service. Frank was employed by B.F. Goodrich for 32 years, retiring as Human Resources Manager. While at Martha Mills he served on the Georgia Textile Manufacturers Association as an officer, including Chairman of the Personnel Managers Division, and on the Health and Safety Committee. Locally, he proudly served as board member of Upson Technical College (Southern Crescent) for a six year term. He served on the Thomaston City School Board, serving as Chairman in 1984. He was also an active member of the Thomaston Jaycees, serving as President for one year. He has been a long time supporter of TUAC, Upson County Historical Society, and Thomaston-Upson Chamber of Commerce. Frank was a lifetime member of the Thomaston First United Methodist Church. He and his wife, Jane, were charter members of the Paul Schumacher Sunday School Class where he served as treasurer for 32 years. Frank served two appointments to the Pastor Parish Relations Committee and two appointments to the Finance Committee. He also served as a Sunday School teacher and President of the Methodists Men’s Club. While his son, an Eagle Scout, was in Troop 25, he served as an Assistant Scout Master. He was a member of the Golden Age Club. Upon retiring from Martha Mills he joined his wife in her business, Custom Framing and Gallery, until the business sold in 2008. Mr. Varner leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife or 59 years, Jane Gladin Varner; a daughter, Dee Dee Thompson (Craig) of Statesboro; a son, Cris Varner (Brooke) of Simpsonville, SC; a sister, Julia Huling (Bobby) of Opelika, AL; two brothers, Charlie Varner of Atlanta; Robert Varner (Arlene) of Dalton; grandchildren, Hunter, Riley, and Landi of Simpsonville, SC; Reid and Riley of Statesboro, and Savannah (Matthew) of St. Mary’s. A number of nieces and nephews also survive. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the First United Methodist Church of Thomaston, P.O. Box 707, Thomaston, GA 30286, or to Boy Scout Troop 25. Fletcher-Day Funeral Home of Thomaston is in charge of all arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com.