Tributes

William Terry Varner, 88, of Marietta, Ohio and later of Moundsville, West Virginia, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Monday, August 19, 2024. He was born November 25, 1935 in Greene County, Pennsylvania, the son of William Blair Lahew and Margaret Leona (Dillinger) Lahew. He recently connected with a dear cousin, Sue Hoffman. A United States Marine and Korean War veteran, Varner lived a life of service for more than 65 years as an esteemed educator, acclaimed speaker, published author, respected editor, avid gardener and fisherman, and beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He married Lillie (Garrison) Varner of Littleton, West Virginia, in 1959. The two recently celebrated their sixty-fifth wedding anniversary. Together, they raised four children: Stephen (Cindy) Varner, Scott (Suzanne) Varner, Stuart (Jennifer) Varner, and Sara (David) Perry; one foster child, Nancy (John) McCarty; and relished in the joys of 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Varner served his community as a Church of Christ minister in congregations across West Virginia and Ohio, officially retiring in May 2021. A sought-after faith-based speaker, Varner offered lectures and presentations in more than 75 lectureships, including seven international engagements, and was a featured contributor for several daily and weekly religious-affiliated radio programs in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia for nearly 20 years. He was a prolific writer having authored twenty volumes of study commentaries on books of the Bible and more than thirty Bible class studies. He published two faith-based books and more than 40 religious study workbooks and authored nearly 4,000 weekly devotionals. He also served as co-editor of two religious publications and was an eight-time nationally-recognized writer. He served as a Board member of the Midwestern Children’s Home (Milford, Ohio); founder of the West Virginia School of Preaching (Moundsville, West Virginia) where he served as faculty member until June 2024 and was member of the lectureship committee; co-founder of the Warren Christian Apologetics Center (Parkersburg, West Virginia) where he also served as Board member, treasurer, general editor and research coordinator until his passing; and owner and editor of the religious paper, Therefore Stand, for more than 20 years. Varner was named an Honorary West Virginian by Secretary of State A. James Manchin in recognition of his continued dedication to service and contributions to his community. An avid gardener, Varner was a dedicated member of the American Iris Society and the International Iris Society, where he hybridized well-known irises for nearly 40 years. Additionally, Varner maintained thriving vegetable gardens, which were a testament to his love for cultivating plants and spending time in nature. His passion for the outdoors extended beyond gardening; he enjoyed fishing and hunting and cherished annual fishing trips to Canada with his family for more than 60 years. Throughout his life, Varner remained “always faithful” to his God, his family, his community and his country. His life has left an indelible mark on all who loved him. His family will receive friends and visitors Wednesday, August 21, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Grisell Funeral Home (400 Jefferson Avenue, Moundsville). A memorial service will take place Thursday, August 22, at 11 a.m. at Hillview Terrace Church of Christ (Fourth Street & Willard Avenue, Moundsville), officiated by Charles C. Pugh III, followed by a graveside service with military honors by the Moundsville Veterans Honor Guard at the Anderson Bethel Cemetery in Littleton, West Virginia. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Warren Christian Apologetics Center 850 Altman Avenue, Parkersburg, WV 26104.

Tributes

William Terry Varner

November 25, 1935 - August 19, 2024