Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Ernest Ermon Varner, II, a proud veteran of the United States Army, was born on August 8, 1950 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was the son of the late Mr. Ernest Ermon Varner, Sr., Reverend Dr. Andrew, and Peggy Sadler Bullard. Ernest, who was affectionately known as “Butch” by his family and closest friends, enjoyed reading, martial arts, and painting. He joined Rock Island Missionary Baptist Church at an early age.
Ernest's formative years were dress rehearsals for the roles he would later play in life. His early training began in the Chattanooga School System where he began his formal study of art and culminated upon graduation from Riverside High School in 1968. His thirst for knowledge led him to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a minor in Art. While at UTC, Ernest was a charter member and Basileus of the Eta Beta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the first Black Greek Letter Organization chartered on Feb. 27, 1971. Additionally, he served as the president of the Black Student Association. Ernest was also a charter member of the Xi Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi, Inc., in Colorado Springs. In pursuit of higher learning opportunities, he attended Central Michigan University and earned a Master’s Degree in General Administration followed by studies in Counseling at Boston University.
On April 28, 1973, Ernest and Jacqueline Elaine Smith, his high school sweetheart, began their married lives together. Throughout their 51 years of marriage, they nurtured and mentored their nieces, nephews, and godchildren, who brought them immeasurable pride and joy.
Ernest’s professional career spanned four decades. Upon graduating from UTC in 1972, he received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army as a Medical Service Corps Officer. He graduated from many military training schools and received numerous awards and commendations. While on active-duty Ernest was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. He retired in 1994 after 22 years of honorable service.
After retiring from the military, Ernest became a professional artist, and his works of art can be found in public and private collections throughout the United States and abroad. He painted the nation’s first Poet Laureate, a portrait commissioned by the Nashville Philanthropy organization. Ernest is most noted for “The Longest Mile,” which featured a Buffalo Soldier and the late General Colin Powell, as well as “The Dreamer," which featured the late Dr. Martin Luther King. In 2004, Ernest served as an Art Ambassador to the United States Embassy in Botswana (Southern Africa). He was an art instructor at Kennesaw State University College of Community and Professional Education for over 20 years, teaching portrait drawing and painting classes. He also taught at various art centers throughout the greater Atlanta area. Ernest enjoyed spending time in his studio with his favorite art student, his goddaughter Reagan.
Ernest served as past president and advisory board member of the Portrait Society of Atlanta, a member of the American Society of Portrait Artists, the Booth Artist Guild, and the Portrait Society of America.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jacqueline, his sister, Dr. Edna Varner, and his brothers, Mr. Justino Varner (Dahlia) Reverend Dr. Andrew J. Bullard, III (Angela), Reverend Alexander J. Bullard (Marcella), his sisters-in-law, Ms. Wanda O'Neal, Mrs. Belinda McGee (Thomas), and Mrs. Johnnie Smith and Mrs. Dorothy Smith; his brothers-in-law, Mr. James Smith (Donna) and Mr. JaMichael Smith (Rouba); Mr. Andrew Echols and numerous nieces, nephews, goddaughters, and friends who will cherish his memory.
“We are at our best when we are being creative. It is at this point when we are most like our Creator.” Ernest E. Varner, II.
The family will receive friends at Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 10 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. Ernest will be interred following the service at 2 p.m. at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with full military honors.
The service will be live streamed on the Orchard Knob Baptist Church Facebook page.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, 423 622-9995.