Robert Lee Varnes, age 86, of Hull, formerly of Madison, passed away Monday, September 5, 2022 at his home.

Born March 8, 1936, in Chattanooga, TN, he was the son of the late Fred and Maggie Stepp Varnes. He retired from Ty Cobb Health Systems as a dietary manager. He was a twenty-year veteran of the United States Navy, where he served during the Vietnam War. Mr. Varnes was a member of the Cornerstone Church in Madison. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife: Mary Vaughn Varnes; and son: Danny D. Varnes.

He is survived by his children: Randy Varnes (Liane), Karl Varnes (Sherry), Karen Hall (Brian), Tammy Lampp, and Brad Vaughn (Angie); brother: Bill Varnes; grandchildren: Natasha Varnes, Michael Varnes, Stephanie Holder (Reginald), Elaine White (Kevin), Robert Varnes (Samantha), Marlayna Witherell (TJ), Phil Hall (Ashley), Caleb Hall, and Emma Vaughn.; great-grandchildren: Destiny, Cassie, Landon, Brandon, MaryBeth, Wyatt, EmmaKate, Tripp, Braylen, Kace, Preston, Colt, Noah, and Blake; and a large number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 9, 2022 at the chapel of Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia with Rev. Gary Pritchett officiating. Burial will follow in Franklin Memorial Gardens – North. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday evening 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Flowers are welcome and can be sent to funeral home. If preferred, donations can be made to the church of your choice or to Tin Can Sailor Inc, www.destroyers.org, in Mr. Varnes' memory.

Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements. To sign the online guest register and leave personal condolences to the Varnes family, please visit stricklandfh.com.