Opal Marie Varney

Born on January 1st, 1936, she was one of eight children of the late Benjamin H. Patrick and Maude Hensley Patrick.

She was married for 70 years to the love of her life, Billie J. Varney. She started her married life as a military wife, lasting 21 years. Opal had 4 children; Bob Varney (Cathy), Bill Varney (Linda), Brenda Mack (Buddy), and Linda Barber (Billy). She took her children at a very early to church to learn about Jesus, while teach VBS.

She was very family focused, making holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas her time to prepare a feast for her family to enjoy. During her husband’s time of sickness, she served as his caregiver until he passed.

For the past 15 months her life has been filled with people and activities. She found a best friend, Marie Williams. Together, they kept the staff and residents of Harbison Shores entertained.

Surviving are her siblings, Hazel Nicholas (Lexington, KY), Fred Patrick (Tishomingo, MS), and Rhonda Garbett (Seymour, TN); grandchildren, Bobby Varney, Jennifer Vennett, Adam Barber, Jon Varney, Ben Varney, Michelle Steinbach, and Laura Varney, along with 9 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her siblings, Lillian Jarrell, Benjamin H. Patrick, Jr., Jean Huff, Marcella Abbott, Jackie Patrick, Jimmy Patrick, and grandchild, Chris Varney.

A graveside service will be held on Friday June 5th, 2026, 10 A.M., at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29229.

Dunbar Funeral Home – Dutch Fork Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.