Wesley Varnes

Wesley DeWitt Varnes went home to be with his Lord and Savior, passing away at his family home in Hilliard, on June 2. Born February 20, 1938 in Hilliard, he eventually moved away and until 1971 lived in Toms River, New Jersey. It was then that he moved his family back to Hilliard, where he lived the remainder of his life surrounded by the love of his family and music. Being from a very musical family, Wesley and his nine siblings were well known in the Nassau County area for their musical talents. After moving back to Florida, it was quite common to see Wesley, his wife and children performing at Gospel Sings, local Hee Haw shows and Square Dances, always keeping music alive for anyone that would listen. He was predeceased by his parents Jennie (Allen) and Cleve Varnes; his daughter Tammy Jane Varnes; two brothers Lesley and Cleveland Varnes; and two sisters and brother-in-laws Wanda Lee and Doc Wagoner and Doris and Clinton Phillips.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara Irons Varnes; five sons and one daughter Paul Wesley Varnes of Fernandina Beach, Richard (Brenda) Varnes of Naples, Kenny Varnes and Nancy (Joe) Hoewischer, all of Hilliard, Craig (Theresa) Varnes of Jacksonville and Jonathan (Marie) Varnes of Lake Placid; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters Glenda (Stockton) Nighbert and Mildred (Gene) Colbert of Hilliard, Peggy Lollar and Ellen Varnes of Jacksonville, Ruth Nobles of Folkston, and many, many cousins, nieces and nephews and he loved each and every one of them very much.
To respect his wishes, the family had a Celebration of Life at the Varnes Family home, Wednesday, June 4 for a day-long event which was filled with the Gospel and the sounds of music which he loved, being performed by all his family and friends. Those who attended, brought their instruments, pictures and enjoyed stories told as the family truly celebrated the life of a man who loved his wife, his family and his Lord Jesus throwing in the passion of music for good measure.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Hilliard Middle-Senior High School Music Program (PO Box 561, Hilliard, 32046) or the American Heart Association by visiting: https://www.heart.org ..