Donald Richard Varner Sr.

Donald Richard Varner, age 97 of Cary, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 9, 2024 after a lengthy illness. Donald was born on September 15, 1926 in Greene County, Pennsylvania to the late Arleigh and Lida May Smith Varner. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Harold Varner, Alan Varner, Raymond Varner, and sisters, Ellen Phillips and Sarah Closser. In addition, was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Barbara Ullom Varner, and son-in-law, Hugh McCullen.

Donald is survived by his son, Dr. Donald R. Varner, Jr. and wife, Nancy, daughter, Martha Varner McCullen, daughter, Kathryn Varner Gentry and husband, Rick, son, W. Scott Varner and wife, Laurie, and daughter, Jane Varner Branam and husband, Chris.

He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, Dr. Seth McCullen and wife, Ashley, Natalie Ryan and husband, Dr. Brad Ryan, Chad McCullen and wife, Kindelle, Dr. Adam Varner and wife, Lindsey, Meredith McCullen and husband, Scott Smith, Jackie Nelsen and husband, Ryan, Taylor Gentry and wife, Michelle, Zach Gentry and wife, Hannah, Christian McCullen and wife, Jessica, William Branam, Caroline Collins and husband, Justin, Dr. Kimberly Varner, Allison Varner, Christina Quinlan and husband, Evan, and Caleb Branam, as well as, 24 great- grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Donald was one of six siblings and raised on Sugar Run in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. He attended school in a one room schoolhouse for eight grades and completed his high school education at Waynesburg High School. While in high school, his first job was driving the local ice truck and delivering blocks of ice to homes throughout the area.

Truly a member of America’s greatest generation, Donald enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of seventeen serving in the Marianas Islands in the South Pacific Theater during World War II. After the war, Donald attended Penn State College on the G.I. Bill and earned a Bachelors degree in forestry.

After college, Donald married his college sweetheart, Barbara, from his hometown of Waynesburg. Barbara and Donald then headed south to North Carolina to work for the North Carolina Forest Service. He devoted 39 years to the Forest Service with various positions within the organization, serving in New Bern, Sylva, Kinston and Raleigh, retiring from public service in 1991.

Donald and Barbara made their home in Cary where they raised their five children. They valued education and insisted that each child earn a college education. As their family grew, so did their family traditions. One of Donald and Barbara’s favorite traditions was hosting their annual Fourth of July celebration with friends and family throughout the years, each year hoping to exceed the previous year’s number of attendees.

Donald had many hobbies throughout his life. He was an avid historian frequently reading books and watching movies and documentaries about American history, particularly the World War II era. He was a lifelong student, eager to learn the “new” technology, and completed many classes at Wake Tech to learn about photography and computers. Donald enjoyed woodworking, building multiple sets of “This End Up” furniture as gifts for his children and family members. After retiring from the Forest Service, Donald learned the art of bricklaying and self-constructed a brick patio addition for his home in Cary which became a gathering place for many cherished family events.

An avid gardener, Donald would share his annual crop of vegetables with neighbors and co-workers. He loved going to the Farmer’s Market to purchase bushels of apples and sweet potatoes to deliver to his extended family in Pennsylvania. Every spring Donald enjoyed his azaleas that he cultivated in his backyard “mini” greenhouse.

Family was Donald’s foundation, and he loved his family very much. He always supported and encouraged his children and grandchildren, attending football games, dance recitals, graduations, weddings, soccer games, band competitions, scouting events, and baptisms. He urged his children and grandchildren to pursue their dreams and to be the best that they could be.

The family would like to thank Donald’s caregivers from the Laurels Assisted Living, and his devoted caregivers John and Roger from Home Instead for their compassionate care and support of Donald during his declining years.

The family will receive visitors Sunday July 14th from 3-5 p.m. at the Brown Wynne Cary Chapel. Funeral service to follow on Monday July 15th at 10:00 a.m. Internment with military honors will be at Raleigh Memorial Park, Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the North Carolina Friends of State Parks or a charity of your choice.

Brown Wynne of Cary is honored to serve the Varner family. Memorial tributes and messages can be left in the "Add Memory" box below.