William Henry Varn Jr.

Mr. William Henry Varn, Jr., husband of the late Sophie Lee Shuler Varn, died Saturday morning at his home in Smoaks, South Carolina.  He was 95. 

Mr. Varn was born in Smoaks on August 7, 1922, the son of the late William Henry Varn, Sr. and Alexina Sauls Varn.  He was a graduate of Carlisle Military School and attended Clemson College for 2 years before joining the Navy.  He proudly served his nation as a Navy test pilot during World War II.  Mr. Varn joined Enterprise Bank in 1946.  Beginning in 1951, he served as the bank’s President for the next 60 years.  Mr. Varn also served as the bank’s CEO and Chairman until 2013.  In 2014, he was named Director Emeritus. In addition to his career in banking, Mr. Varn was also owner of Varn’s Cash Store and Varn’s Cotton Gin, both located in Smoaks.  Mr. Varn was associated with the South Carolina Bankers Association and the Independent Banks of South Carolina.  He was also active in his community, belonging to organizations including: Smoaks Masonic Lodge, Colleton County School Board, and Board of Connie Maxwell’s Children’s Home.  Mr. Varn was awarded the following honors:  Distinguished Alumni of Carlisle Military School, Distinguished Citizen of the Year from USC Salkehatchie, and numerous awards from various farming and conservation agencies.  He also served as Schuetzenfest Parade Marshal.  Mr. Varn was a lifelong member of Smoaks Baptist Church, where he served as Treasurer, Deacon, Sunday School Director and Sunday School Teacher.

Mr. Varn is survived by his three children Eugene Muller Varn, Janice Lee Varn, and William Henry Varn, III (Tracy). There are five grandchildren:  Lauren Varn Myers (John), Philip Colin Varn (Shenan), William Henry Varn, IV (Brandi), Kendall Taylor Varn (Marie), and Elizabeth Shuler Avant.  There are also 9 great grandchildren.  Mr. Varn has one surviving sister, Laurene Varn Cummings of Columbia.  He was proceeded in death by grandson, Eric Andrew Avant and great grandson, William Henry Varn, V.  He is also predeceased by two sisters, Philura Varn Langford and Betty Varn Coleman.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon, November 21, 2017 at 2 o’clock in Smoaks Baptist Church located on Hwy 217 (443 Lodge Highway) in Smoaks, South Carolina, with burial following in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends at the home of his son Gene, 27670 Lowcountry Highway in Smoaks immediately following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the following:  Smoaks Baptist Church, Post Office Box 101, Smoaks, South Carolina 29481; or to, The Connie Maxwell Children’s Home, 810 Maxwell Avenue, Greenwood, South Carolina 29646.   

Arrangements by:   THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATORY, WALTERBORO CHAPEL, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro; 843.538.5408.  Visit our online registry at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com.  

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