He was born October 9, 1967 in Chattanooga, TN. Jeff was a graduate of Tyner High School. He spent most of his life in a career as a painter, and the past 15 years, he was a wrecker operator for R&D Wrecker. Jeff spent his free time fishing, being outdoors, and watching Braves and Tennessee play, but what he loved the most was spending time with his sons.
Jeff is preceded in death by his mother, Jackie C. Shelton.
Survivors include his sons, Tommy McGinnis, Hunter Varnell, and Kannon Varnell; step-daughter, Summer Griffith; fiancé, Mary K. Akehurst; dad, Dennis (Norma) Varnell; siblings, Denise (Rick) Arney, Walter Keeton, Keri Varnell, and Bobby (Melissa) Gallion; good friend, Aunt Becky Crites; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the many people who helped during this difficult time, to name a few: the Akehurst family, Thomas, Donna, and Eliza and also Becky Crites, Rick Rutherford, Jeff Rutherford, Samantha Leffew, and the doctors and nurses of Erlanger Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Humane Society, links down below.
A memorial visitation for Jeffery will be held Wednesday, May 7, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Chattanooga Funeral Home-North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153, TN 37343.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153 Hixson, TN 37343. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
