Don and Marjorie Varnadoe

Donald Shaw Varnadoe, 74, and his beloved wife Marjorie Pitman Varnadoe, 72, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 25, 2021. During the 45 years they resided on St. Simons Island, Don and Margie were extremely active in their local community and shared a common desire to do good by others. Don and Margie were fervent believers in the Lord Christ and had many strong ties to the Christian community. They were faithful members of St. Simons United Methodist Church, but also served in fellowship throughout the years at St. Simons First Baptist Church as well as Frederica Baptist Church.

Don was born in 1947 in Doerun, Georgia to parents James “Junior” Varnadoe and Margaret Hatcher Varnadoe. After graduating high school from Doerun High School, Don attended ABAC College before transferring to the University of Georgia where he proudly graduated with a degree in food technology. After working many years for Beech Nut Baby Food and Sea Pak, Don found his true career passion in real estate. Throughout his 40 years working in real estate in the Golden Isles, he was accoladed with many awards. However, the true prizes for Don were the life-long friendships he made with his clients, coworkers and neighbors. Don was well known for always asking, “How can I help?” And help he did! He served the Glynn County School Board, the Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Equalization, the Rotary Club, the Board of Directors for the Katz-Whittle Foundation, along with countless other organizations. Don was preceded in death by both parents.

Margie was born in 1949 to Frank Alfred Pitman and Alva Score Pitman, in Auburn, NY. After many wonderful years being raised in Skaneateles, NY, Margie graduated from Skaneateles High School before attending SUNY at Oneonta, where she earned a degree in Biology. Margie then went on to earn both a master’s degree and doctorate degree from Georgia Southern University. As an educator, Margie served students in New York and Georgia. She served as a teacher, an education specialist, an assistant principal and concluded her career as assistant superintendent of human resources for the Glynn County School System. Margie’s love of learning never ceased. Even after receiving the highest of degrees, she still needed opportunities to grow. Margie became a licensed yoga instructor and taught classes until her untimely death. She was also an avid traveler and shared many wonderful trips with her friends and family. Her beloved core, known as the Ya-Ya group, traveled far and wide and spent many wonderful memories together celebrating friendships. Margie is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Gail Pitman Yaus.

Margie and Don felt their biggest accomplishment on Earth was raising family. They spent their life showering loved ones with time and gratitude. Ball fields, dinner tables, school performances, baking lessons, and genuine family time were the loves of their lives. Our family takes comfort knowing that they are at peace with the Lord. They are survived by their son Jason Neil Varnadoe (Millie), grandson Fisher Shaw Varnadoe, dearly loved brother to Don, Larry Varnadoe.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the St. Simons Methodist Church, Habitat for Humanity or St Simons Public Library.