William Abel "Bill" Varnell

Bill Varnell was born to Dr. Gilbert A. Varnell and Margaret Harthcock Varnell on August 2, 1951, in Camp Polk, Louisiana, but considered himself a native son of Cleveland, Tennessee, where he lived most of his life. He was a member of the first state championship football team at Cleveland High School, where he graduated in 1969. He loved the Tennessee Volunteers and was proud that he was part of the university’s football team before leaving to join the army. He was honorably discharged following his service in the Vietnam War. He received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Samford University. Bill returned to his beloved Cleveland to raise his family, serving the community as a banker for many years before becoming an independent stock broker for Hillard Lyons, where he worked until his retirement.Bill had a strong commitment to serving his community. He was a long term member of both the Kiwanis Club and the Elks Club. He was honored to be elected and serve as a county commissioner. He was a member of Broad Street United Methodist Church, and served as a Sunday school teacher when his children were young. He volunteered for many organizations over the years and loved helping people.He was an avid outdoorsman and loved boating and camping, especially at Parksville Lake. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and seeing the country that he loved. He believed in celebrating life and having fun with the important people in his world! He was a proud father to Nikki Varnell, Matt Varnell (Kassie Yeats Varnell), and Katie Varnell, and a loving grandfather to Lillian and Anna. Along with his children and grandchildren, he is survived by his long term partner and companion, Kathy Cecil; his brother, Dr. Robert “Bob” Varnell (Dee Oseroff Varnell); and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents and his brother, Thomas “Tommy” Varnell.The Remembrance of Life Memorial Service will be conducted on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 1 P. M. at Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services North Ocoee Chapel with Dr. Robert "Bob" Varnell sharing along with other family and friends. The family will receive friends from 11 A. M. until 1 P.M. Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services North Ocoee Chapel who has charge of the arrangements. You may share your condolences and your memories with the Varnell family at www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com.Read Obituary