Freddie Lee Varner

Freddie Varner Jr., of San Jacinto, California, was born in Statesboro, Georgia on September 3, 1946. He was the eldest son of six children and enjoyed a happy childhood, growing up with his siblings on the southside of Chicago. His parents were Lucy Mae Nobles-Davis and Freddie Varner but he was raised by his mother and stepfather for his entire childhood – his stepfather being John Davis. He graduated from Dunbar Vocational high school. Later in life, he also attended Compton Community College in California. He was drafted into the military, consequently joined the Navy and served in the Vietnam war from April 8, 1966 through January 6, 1970. Before he was shipped out, he married his high school sweetheart Anne Thomas and shortly thereafter, he was stationed in Long Beach, California where they started their lives together. They had two children together, two daughters -- Tania Varner and Shani Varner. He is survived by one daughter, Shani Varner-Rodgers. He is also survived by three siblings – Bette Davis, Janet Matthews, and John Davis, Jr. He is survived by many nieces, nephews and stepchildren. He was honorably discharged from the Navy and took a position as a supply technician working for Veterans Affairs Hospital in Long Beach California and retired after working 30 years in that capacity. He remarried his second wife Anne Daniels and became the loving stepfather to her three daughters. He was widowed many years later, losing his beautiful wife Anne Daniels-Varner after a long battle with cancer. He then went on to marry Elnora Caldwell and became a stepfather again to her mostly adult children. He retired from Veterans Affairs Hospital and relocated with his new wife to San Jacinto California. Nora unexpectedly lost her life to a stroke on February 15, 2017. Freddie was a very kind, loving and giving soul and his hearty, powerful laugh often filled the space of any room he was a part of in the company of friends and family. His personality was very charismatic and due to his extroverted nature, he acquired many friends during his life. He had an easygoing nature with an ever-present smile which emanated from his soul and he always had the ability to attract people to him like a magnet due to his charismatic personality. He had a huge heart and freely gave of his time and energy to both family and friends when the opportunity presented itself. He had a love of books and reading which he passed onto his youngest daughter. He had many wonderful hobbies in his lifetime. He particularly loved reading Louis L’Amour novels. He also enjoyed and appreciated watching country and western movies, favoring Clint Eastwood spaghetti westerns. He loved socializing and meeting new people and making new friends and enjoyed spending quality time with his family. He was a great light upon this world and he will be greatly missed by many. Services in care of Hadley Marcom Funeral Chapel.