Johnny Varner, Jr., has died. Varner was perhaps best known for his work with veterans, especially through the American Legion. A retired Goodwill of Northeast Georgia employee, he was also a member of the Hall County Planning Commission. He was 62 and died recently following an extended illness.
OBITUARY COURTESY MEMORIAL PARK FUNERAL HOME:
“Johnny Willie Varner Jr., a pillar of the Gainesville community, was born to Johnny and Juanita Varner in Gainesville, Ga., on the 15th of January, 1963. He passed away after an extended illness at Northeast Georgia’s Medical Center in Braselton, Georgia, on the 26th of June, 2025. Johnny lived a life devoted to his family, and his country.
Funeral arrangements will be Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 2:00 PM, in the Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 PM prior to the service, on July 3, 2025, at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
In 1981, Johnny graduated from Johnson High School, and furthered his education at the University of Phoenix, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree. He honorably served in the United States Army in the Iraq War, and retired after 20 years, as an E-7 Sergeant First Class. He admirably worked with Goodwill of North Georgia, up until his retirement earlier this year. He respectably used his broad skills and talents to serve his local community as a Planning Commissioner for District 4 in Hall County. Johnny served as a Commander at Post 521, held executive positions at Post 328 as well as Post 7, and served The District Commander for the 9th district.
In 1986 he and Leisa Goss married, and for 39 years, they shared a life full of dedication, purpose, and commitment to raising their boys and five grandchildren.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Leisa Goss Varner; his children: Chaz Varner of Morrow, Ga., Jonathan and April Varner of Hoschton, Ga., Austin Varner of Gainesville, Ga., and Anthony Williams of Atlanta, Ga. His grandchildren: Arianna, Cameron, Dallas, Maverick, and Houston. His brother: Eric Varner, and Donna Lyles of Gainesville, Ga. His aunts: Ruby Tyson of Hartford Ct., Mary Townes of Columbus, Ga., Mae Varner of Gainesville, Ga., and Mary Tyson and Albany, Ga.; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, family, friends, and coworkers.
Johnny was preceded in death by his parents: Mr. Johnny Willie Varner Sr., and Mrs. Juanita Tyson Varner.
Johnny’s service, devotion, and love for others will be cherished forever by his family, friends, and the vast number of lives he touched. For that, we are forever indebted to Johnny.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Drive, Gainesville, Georgia 30504 is in charge of the arrangements.
Send online condolences to memorialparkfuneralhomes.com