Thomas A. Varner
Thomas A. Varner of Hixson, Tennessee, passed away on November 12, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Thomas was a loving husband and father dedicated to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of over 62 years, Carolyn Taylor Varner, his four sons: Daniel E. Varner, Andrew W. Varner, Derek J. Varner and Jason T. Varner, seven beloved grandchildren: Sarah Connor, Zane Varner, Vance Varner, Brett, Varner, Cameron Allen, Audrey Varner, and two beloved great grandchildren: Raelyn Connor and Rowan Connor.
He was predeceased by his parents Andrew W. Varner and Mary Zahniser Varner and his two brothers James (Jim) Varner and William (Bill) Varner and his sister Sue Varner Conrad.
Tom was born on Jan. 28, 1934. He grew up and went to high school in Waynesburg, Greene County, Pa. After graduation, Tom joined the Navy where he served during the Korean War as a Machinist Mate 3rd Class on a diesel submarine, The USS Tiru. After being honorably discharged, he enrolled in West Virgina University where he received a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
In June 1963, Tom married his beloved wife, Carolyn, and shortly after moved to Huntsville, Al., where they started their family. He worked as an engineer for General Electric where he had the opportunity to do design work for NASA and the Skylab Space Station project. In 1977, Tom took his family to Hixson, where the remainder of his career, he worked with TVA and in the nuclear power field.
Tom loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman. The hours he spent fishing were numerous, the amount of fish he caught was less so. He passed this passion for the outdoors onto his sons. He was a member of the VFW and continued to stay in touch with his Navy shipmates, attending and participating in many ceremonies and reunions. He enjoyed restoring old military (Willis) jeeps and participating in veteran parades and celebrations.
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention Tom’s dry sense of humor. He was never the most talkative person in a crowd but you could always tell he was listening. His comments were either insightful or hilarious, depending on the situation.
Graveside services with military honors for Tom will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25, at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with Brother Richard Floyd officiating. There will be no visitation at the funeral home.
Please share your memories of Tom at hamiltonfhofchattanooga.com
Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, Tn. 37343.