Ferman " Vardy " Wheeless, Jr. of Taylor, Texas passed away November 29, 2019. He was born April 28, 1929 to Ferman Vardy Sr. and Naomi Wheeless, in Elk City, Oklahoma, the oldest of three children. The family later moved to Austin, where Vardy graduated from Austin High in 1947. After graduation, Vardy received his x-ray technician certification from Brackenridge Hospital, and began his career with the Health Department Tuberculosis Mobile Unit in the Texas Valley region.
Vardy met the love of his life, Louise Barrow, at Kinney Avenue Baptist Church in Austin. They were married on February 18, 1950 and moved to Taylor, where Vardy worked for Johns Clinic, and they soon began their family. Vardy spent the remainder of his career with Johns Clinic, later known as Scott & White Hospital, retiring after 41 years. On his days off, Vardy could be found at the Taylor Golf Course, and once retired, almost daily. He enjoyed his weekly game with his golf buddies.
Vardy worked hard to provide for his family and set a Christian example for his children, beginning with prayer time and Bible study when they were young. He made sure that his family knew Jesus. Vardy and Louise were members of First Baptist Church of Taylor since 1950 – he loved the fellowship of his men’s Sunday School class and PrimeTimers group. Vardy was a member of the church choir since joining, and at times led the music worship. Music was a central foundation of his life and he passed on his love of music to his family. At reunions and holidays, they gathered around the organ and created beautiful harmonies and memories. Vardy used his musical gift to show his passion and love for his heavenly Father and church, often performing alone or duets with his children.
Vardy is survived by son Philip Wheeless and wife Betty of Tyler, daughter Sandy Harrison of Taylor, daughter Shary Stiba of Taylor, son Pat Wheeless and wife Dori of Round Rock, sister Barbara Pello and husband Jack, sister-in-law Harvene Gustafson and husband Johnny, and sister-in-law Joanne Wheeless. Fourteen grandchildren: Peggy Carey and husband Matt, Luke Wheeless and wife Ann Marie, Patricia Graham and husband Tommy, Spencer Wheeless and wife Kelley, Randa Schwarz and husband Chad, Cassandra Acuff and husband Ryan, Penny Johnson, Jeremy Wheeless, Michael Harrison, Ryan Stiba and wife Olivia, Chance Wheeless and wife Meagan, Cameron Wheeless and Biliana Grozdanova, Christopher Wheeless, and Ariana Wheeless. Fifteen great-grandchildren: Ashley Swinney and husband Drew, Amberly Moore and husband Jacob, Cydney Spiker and husband Donald, Corrinne Wheeless, D.J. Graham, T.J. Graham, Mackenzie Wheeless, Laney Wheeless, Peyton Harrison, Jackson Wheeless, Avery Schwarz, Spenser Johnson, Beau Johnson, Lakelyn Schwarz, and Hope Wheeless; three great-great grandchildren: Noah Swinney, Micah Swinney and Charles Spiker; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, his parents, mother and father-in-law Harvey and Ethel Barrow, brother CE Wheeless, sister-and brother-in-law Lucile and Chick West, sons-in-law Randy Stiba and Jeffery Harrison, and grandson-in-law Elgin Johnson.
Visitation will be from 12 PM to 1 PM at Condra Funeral Home in Taylor on Saturday, December 7, 2019, followed by a graveside service at 2 PM at Taylor City Cemetery.
Vardy’s family would like to extend their deepest appreciation and gratitude to the staff at Sundara Senior Living and Encompass Health Home Health and Hospice for their love for Vardy and their support of our family this past year.
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