Ralph Varnam, 94 years and 2 months, died on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017.
Born Sept. 11, 1923, in Brunswick County, he was a son of the late Samuel Claude Varnam and Mary Dixon Varnam. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice Lancaster Varnam; son, Wade Varnam; grandson, Kevin Varnam; and great-granddaughter, Isabella Beatrice Mazzola.
He was a World War II, U.S. Navy veteran and retired from Brunswick County Grounds and Maintenance as a supervisor.
Surviving are his son, Howard (Barbara) Varnam of Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.; daughter, Karen (Chip) Harris of Oak Island, N.C.; brothers, Herbert “Midgett” Varnum and O’Neal “Knott” Varnam; sister, Eula Mae “Tudie” Dixon, all of Varnamtown, N.C.; grandchildren, Michele (Nick) Mazzola, Adrian Varnam and Aaron Varnam; great-grandchildren, Sofia, Nicholas, Emma Grace, and Jonathan Mazzola; and caretaker and special friend, Dave Jones.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14, at the church. A celebration of life will be conducted at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 15, at Dixon Chapel United Methodist Church, officiated by the Rev. William Negron and the Rev. Bobby Norton. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors. Casketbears will be Adrian Varnam, Aaron Varnam, Sammie Varnam, Tony Varnum, Thomas Varnum and Alex Kuigre. Honorary casketbearers will be Steve Varnam, Linwood Varnum, Dave Jones, Blondell Robinson and Wink Champion.
Memorials may be directed to SECU Hospice “Brunswick House,” 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401, in Mr. Ralph Varnam’s memory.
Online condolences may be directed to the family at brunswickfuneralservice.com.
