Dr. Thomas Lee Varner

Dr. Thomas Lee Varner, age 89, passed away on May 30th, 2024 at Augusta Health in Fishersville, VA. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Helen (Phillips) Varner and brother George Varner. He is survived by his wife Carol (Mills) Varner and their three children, sons Thomas (Diane) Varner and Randolph Varner and daughter, Susan (Ed) Driskill. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Brent and Jordan (Analise) Driskill, and Ann and Marilyn (Parsons) Varner.

Dr. Varner was born in Waynesboro and attended schools in Waynesboro, Baltimore City, and Augusta County. He graduated from Wilson Memorial High School where he played football and baseball.

After high school at age 17, he worked one year at a hardware store as a bookkeeper for the company Intrusion Prepack. He was involved in the attempt in converting the Afton Tunnel into a storage tank for propane gas. While working at the tunnel there was an incident where the tunnel filled with carbon monoxide and the workers were harmed. Dr. Varner entered the tunnel and shut down the failing faulty equipment and assisted personnel from the tunnel. He was nominated for a Carnegie Award for Heroism for his actions. He received the award when he told interviewers he was aware of the danger but did not fear for his life.

Dr. Varner entered the University of Virginia in 1953 where he earned Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral Degrees. As an undergraduate he was on the Dean’s list and was the President of his Social Fraternity. He was the recipient of a Dupont Financial Scholarship.

During his years at the university he had numerous assistantships and fellowships. As a full-time graduate student, he was the Editor of the VA School Boards Association Newsletter, a periodic publication that is sent to all School Board Members in Virginia.

His first job after graduating from college was in the United States Military, followed by one year of teaching in Fauquier County. He returned to Waynesboro as an employee of Fishburne Military School. He was a teacher and coached for six years and later he became the Headmaster of Fishburne where he served for two years. In 1967, Charlottesville hired him as an Assistant Superintendent. In 1973, Dr. Varner moved to Waynesboro and became the Superintendent of Waynesboro Public Schools. He was chosen over 54 applicants for the position. He served for 20 years until his retirement in July of 1993.

During Dr. Varner’s tenure as Superintendent, there were numerous highlights in the schools. Academic test scores were in the top ten percent. All athletic teams were competitive and they won championships in all sports with approximately 140 students from surrounding counties attending the Waynesboro Schools.

During his first year as Superintendent, Dr. Varner told his employees that he wanted a program for four year olds. Under the leadership of Dr. Doris Hulvey, within three years Waynesboro had the first four year old program in the state of Virginia.

Dr. Varner served on many boards and organizations in Waynesboro. He was a member of Rotary International and served on the board which was an all male organization. He proposed the first female member that was accepted to join the membership. He was a member of the Waynesboro Roundtable for 45 years. Also, he was a service member of the 116th infantry of the Stonewall Brigade for 10 years.

Dr. Varner was a member of the board for Waynesboro Community Hospital. During his tenure, the board was committed to building a large hospital in Augusta Hospital. The board worked with Staunton Hospital to create Augusta Hospital.

Other notable events in his life:

He received funds through Governor Gerald Baliles (a personal friend) to fund a branch of the Blue Ridge Community College in Waynesboro.

Dr. Varner was a baseball player. He played in the American Legion for Augusta County and Rockingham County leagues until his wife retired him at the age of 27.

In retirement, he served as on one civic organization called the Valley Free Clinic.

Dr. Varner was known as a gardener. He raised his own plants from seed and had a large productive garden in which he shared produce. He enjoyed speaking to clubs about gardening.

Dr. Varner was often asked with his expertise why did he not run for public office or move to a larger school system. His response was the same, “Others have offered me larger schools and more money. No one ever offered me a better job than the one I enjoyed in Waynesboro!”

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 3, 2024 at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 500 S. Wayne Ave., Waynesboro with Pastor Paul Pingel officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer’s Association or Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, c/o the Thanksgiving and Memorial Fund.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes of Waynesboro.

Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com