He was born in McComb, Mississippi on April 16, 1941. He was predeceased by father, Jodie David Varnell, and mother, Margaret R. Wales Varnell Smith. He grew up in McComb and Jackson, Mississippi.
He attended Central High School in Jackson. He was in the Navy. He worked in sales and in security.
He is survived by son, Kendall Varnell, of Ridgeland, Mississippi, daughter, Cassandra “Cassie” Lynn Varnell Bishop (Sally), of Richland, Mississippi and granddaughter, Anna-Lynn Grace Bishop.
Also survived by brother, Paul D. Smith (Sandy), of Canton, GA and sister, Ione Lamb (Rick) of Jasper, GA.