Julian Calhoun “J.C.” Varnes, Jr., 76, of Pomona Park, passed from this life on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at his home following an extended illness. He was born in Florahome, FL and had returned to Putnam County in 2012 coming from St. Augustine. J.C. was a veteran of the US Army and had worked as a Water Resource Specialist for St. Johns River Water Management District serving both Putnam and Duval counties for more than 25 years. Prior to that, he was the owner and operator of Varnes Dirt Excavation Service for several years. J.C. was an active member of Beulah Baptist Church in Fruitland and enjoyed going to church, gardening, fishing, and spending time with his family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Merriam Varnes, brother, Mark Stephen Varnes, paternal grandparents, Bart and Mamie Varnes, maternal grandparents, Elzie and Eva Keene and grandsons, James Michael “Mikey” Varnes and Zachary Lee Varnes, and son-in-law Steven Carnes.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Catherine Varnes of Pomona Park, son, David Michael “Mike” Varnes of Florahome, daughter, Julie Elizabeth Crosby (Scott) of Gainesville, brothers, James L. Varnes (Josette) of Grandin and Gary Mitchell Varnes (Eva) of Melbourne, sister, Marilyn Varnes Greene of Jacksonville. He is also survived by grandchildren, Elizabeth Carnes Taft (Mitchell), Chelsea Erin Carnes, Samantha Faith Crosby, Merriam Grace Sprouse (Robie), Kirstie Lynn Varnes, as well as great-grandchildren, Steven, Joanna and Alan Taft, Amya and Luna Sprouse, Lewcas Poe, Shadyn Greene, Amayla and Ariel Pennington, Emma and Kaydence Varnes.
Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 18, at Etoniah Cemetery in Bardin with Rev. Clarence Blalock officiating.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at J.C.’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com .
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.