Al was born on December 16, 1942, to the late Samuel Nelson and Flois (Prince) Varnell; his daughter, Kristy Dotson; and his grandparents, Nellie and Sam Varnell, and Lillian and Will Prince.
Al is survived by his wife, Gae Varnell; his daughter, Karen (Crystal) Varnell; his grandchildren, Brandon Dotson, Ashley Dotson, Nicholas Cantrell, Jaxson Varnell, and Sam and Ella Varnell.
Al was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Chattanooga and was a lay minister for several years. He also taught Sunday School, was a Youth Director, and was active in Men’s Ministry.
Al worked in sales all his life, specifically selling cars and several other sales companies. He loved to play guitar/banjo with the church choir and orchestra. Al was a member of a trio (with his wife, Gae and Sandy Morris) that played together in the Erlanger mall and for the homeless shelter at First Baptist Church in Chattanooga. He was an avid reader and scholar.
A funeral service will be held at 12 PM on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 822 Belvoir Ave., Chattanooga, TN, with Pastor Ed Rosser officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. A private burial will take place at Chattanooga Memorial Park in Red Bank, TN.
Please consider making a donation to his church.
Arrangements by Chattanooga Funeral Home – East Chapel, 404 S. Moore Rd., East Ridge, TN 37412.
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