Charles Edward Varner, age 82, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 8, 2026. He was born on February 14, 1944, in Auburn, Ala at the Drake Student Infirmary of Auburn University, where his mother, Cora Sue Tatum Varner, was a student. At the time of his birth, his father, Ned Varner, was serving in the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II.

After returning from the war, his father completed his education under the GI Bill and graduated from Auburn University in 1949 with a degree in mechanical engineering. His parents and their three children settled in Savannah, Ga, where his father worked for Union Camp Corporation, and where four more children were born and all seven children were raised.

Charles graduated from Savannah High School in 1962, then earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Auburn University in 1967. He married Fay Lorane Usher Varner and together they began their life in North Augusta, S.C. Charles worked at the DuPont Savannah River Plant while Lorane worked in nursing. He was proud of his contribution to the country during the Cold War. During those years, their four children were born—each of whom he always described as remarkable.

Later in life, Charles married Erma Louise “Cookie” Watson Varner. After retiring, they lived in Hilton Head Island, S.C. until Cookie’s passing in 2014. They enjoyed bike riding, playing tennis, attending local plays and art exhibits, socializing with fellow condo owners, and monthly lunches with siblings at Johnny Harris Restaurant in Savannah. Charles later moved to Evans, Ga to be closer to family.

Charles was predeceased by his parents; his beloved wife Cookie; and four siblings: Ned Varner Jr., Susan Ruth Varner, William Martin Varner, and Elizabeth Anne Varner.

He is survived by his brothers, Lee Hodges Varner and John Calvin Varner; his first wife, Lorane, the mother of their four children; and their children: Victoria Leigh Varner Skidmore (Eric), Jennifer Robin Varner Blackerby (Philip), Douglas Conrad Varner (Chelsea), and Susan Alison Varner Post (John). He also leaves behind ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild on the way.

In later years, Charles was deeply grateful for the kindness and support he received from Emily Newman and the volunteers of Hilton Head Island Safe Harbour, Inc., who helped him after his eyesight faded. He was also thankful that when Cookie was diagnosed with inoperable cancer, his eyesight remained strong long enough for him to care for her during her final years.

Charles enjoyed many friendships and interests throughout his life. He was especially proud of the work he did alongside Priscilla Lennox Jenkins, Dave Rossell, and some other good Savannah folks, to have the Pine Gardens Neighborhood listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.

He also loved to remember the job he held during his last two years of high school working part-time at Savannah’s Lucas Theatre. There he worked for Mr. Earle M. Holden, whom he always described as a remarkable man, and alongside several contemporaries, some of whom became lifelong friends. Charles often said that he learned some valuable life lessons at The Lucas.

Throughout his life he was involved in many organizations that were meaningful to him, including The North Augusta Jaycees, The Our Lady of Peace School PTO, GaSCar Antique Car Club, Auburn Club, United Methodist churches in Auburn, Savannah, and North Augusta, The Unitarian Church of Augusta, The Eli Whitney Elementary School Reunion Committee, The Savannah High School Class of 1962 Reunion Committee, The Pine Gardens Neighborhood Association, and the ACLU of South Carolina.

A memorial gathering, followed by interment at Magnolia Cemetery in Augusta, Ga, will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Charles would appreciate donations to be made in his honor to Hilton Head Island Safe Harbour, Inc. https://www.hhisafeharbour.org/

Charles asked that this notice simply serve as a fond farewell to his friends and family.

“Farewell!”