William Lester Varn Jr.

William Lester Varn, Jr. son of W. Lester Varn, Sr. and Myra Terrell Varn was born December 18, 1924, and died on July 20, 2024. Lester, a native of Jacksonville, attended West Riverside Elementary and graduated from The Bolles School. His days at Princeton University, class of 1946, were interrupted by WW II. He was selected by the Navy to be a gunnery instructor. Following officer's training at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Naval service in Troy, New York, and New York City, he returned to Princeton to graduate with a degree in engineering.

He married Marjorie Drake Varn on February 6, 1955, and was blessed with two children and two grandchildren.

In 1948 Lester began working in the family business with his father and brother. He began in finance loaning money for cars and mortgages. He was one of the original investors in the first of its kind hot coffee vending machines. In 1968 Lester moved primarily into the investment business in family-owned corporations and affiliated companies engaged in securities, real estate, timberland, and forest products manufacturing.

During his 70 year career he served on numerous business boards: Atlantic National Bank of Jacksonville, First Union National Bank of Florida, Jacksonville Savings and Loan Association, Camco International, Inc, Laclede Steel Company, Production Operators, Inc. and, Florida Wire and Cable Company. He held leadership roles for civic, charitable, and educational boards: The Bolles School, Chair of the Greater Jacksonville Open Golf Tournament (now The Players Championship), Chair of the Red Coats (now Red Coat Foundation), TPC Charities, Southern Golf Association, Cummer Art Gallery, Riverside Hospital, Riverside Foundation, St. Luke's Hospital and, St Luke's Foundation.

Lester was an avid sportsman excelling in skeet shooting and golf. He was a member of the United States Skeet team winning the National Junior Championship. Golf, however, dominated his life for over 60 years. His home course was Timuquana Country Club, but he enjoyed taking buddies at least twice a year to his beloved Pine Valley Golf Club and playing in numerous National Father - Son events. He studied the game and its players with acute acumen and attention to every detail from the mechanics of the golf swing, design of the great courses, to the rules of the game. He was a member of the United States Golf Association (USGA) and Southern Golf Association (SGA), volunteering for over 30 years as a rule's official for numerous USGA and SGA championships. Later in life, Lester had a second home in Cashiers, NC and spent many happy days playing the Wade Hampton golf course as a founding member.

Lester was predeceased by his parents, wife and brother, George W. Varn, II. Survivors include his son William L. Varn, Ill (Kelly), daughter Kenyon Varn Merritt (Craig), grandsons William Drake Varn (Natalie) and Franklin Huckabee Varn, nieces, Merrill Elizabeth Varn, Ellen Varn.Lowman and nephew, George W. Varn, Jr.

The family especially wishes to thank J-Mac Enterprises and the McClain Family; Geneva, Johnnetta, Jeanetta, Shelia and Diann Hayes, Doris Bibbins and Ruby Jackson and a special thank you to Billy McKenzie for his attention and friendship to Lester. Their love and care for Lester and his family have been a blessing and great comfort.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Bolles School, the Southern Golf Association at 3041 Lorna Road Hoover, Al. 35216, Jacksonville Humane Society or a charity of your choice.