Obituaries » William H. Varner
William H. Varner
William “Bill” Hamilton Varner, 57, peacefully left this world on April 29, 2022, surrounded by those who loved him most.
Born in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Bill grew up in a home full of joy—a gathering spot for family and friends and always full of music. From an early age, Bill was an accomplished classical pianist and keyboard player in a band, competitive tennis player and sailing enthusiast. He also served as “crew” for his dad’s race car driving across the Southeast. He loved visits on his great-grandfather’s farm with cattle, cotton and corn in Tuskegee, Ala., where Bill would fish, explore the woods and savor his great-grandmother’s scratch biscuits. As an adult, he fed his curiosity, creativity and passion through his many additional interests—guitar, travel, motorcycles, photography, sketching, magic, genealogy and astronomy. His love of animals is legendary, especially his dogs—Murph, Stella, Lexi and Bear—and cats Bella, Nico and Amelia.
Bill attended boarding school at Indian Springs School in Birmingham, Ala. He spent his freshman year at Haverford College in Pennsylvania, then completed his B.A. degree in Psychology at The University of Alabama, followed by a Master of Science degree in Health Administration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Bill spent his career committed to enhancing healthcare, focusing on excellence in care delivery and the patient experience, as well as the expansion of services and accessibility to care for all. His 27-year career in healthcare led him to Charleston, SC (Roper St. Francis Health), Winston-Salem, NC (Novant Health)—where he met his future wife, Catherine—and finally Lynchburg, Va., where Bill served Centra for 16 years as Vice President of Strategic Planning, Marketing & Communications. Most recently, Bill served as President & CEO of the United Way of Central Virginia, where he drove strategic planning within and collaboration across organizations to create self-sufficiency and sustainable outcomes. In all of his work, Bill was known for his vision and integrity; creating dream teams and a culture of kindness, humor and excellence; bridge-building; and his dedication to making our community a better place.
After their September 2001 wedding in Asheville, NC, Bill and Catherine made their home in Lynchburg and enjoyed 22 years together. More than anything, Bill absolutely adored his children, Julia and Will. Fully invested in their interests, he was their biggest cheerleader, whether it was school activities, horseback riding competitions, baseball, football, wrestling, lacrosse, music performances of their own and attending concerts and festivals together around the country, traveling the world together to experience other cultures, and imagining their futures with them. Bill always will be remembered for his welcoming and engaging persona—a gracious host to friends old and new and global students who became family, a respected mentor and colleague, Supper Club foodie, and a member of the infamous “Panel of Experts,” among others.
One of Bill’s greatest gifts is the support he gave to the community through board service, strategic planning, philanthropy and active engagement. During his time in Lynchburg, Bill served on numerous boards, including Amazement Square Rightmire Children’s Museum, James River Day School, Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Central Virginia and Piedmont Community Health Plan. He delivered food to the underserved for Meals on Wheels and was an avid supporter of the Lynchburg Humane Society and the Academy Center of the Arts. He also lent his vocal support, time and talent effecting positive change for social equity and basic human services.
Since his mid-30s, Bill battled a chronic liver disease, primary sclerosing cholangitis and, in the past few years, colon cancer. He had a successful living donor liver transplant in 2010 at VCU Health in Richmond, Va., made possible by the grace of friend and donor Alison Baker. Bill spent the next decade providing coaching and support to others facing challenging health issues, as well as educating healthcare providers about the patient experience, with his unique perspective as a healthcare administrator and frequent patient.
Bill’s determination to live a rich, full life and his devotion to the needs of friends and family make his death an extraordinary loss. All who had the good fortune to know Bill benefited from his loyal friendship, irreverent wit, generosity, and, in the end, his unfailing courage and dignity.
Bill was predeceased by his mother, Theresa Hamilton Varner of Washington, D.C., and aunt Rosemary Hamilton of Norristown, Pa. In addition to his wife and children, Bill is survived by his father, Bill Varner III and his wife, Mary, of Spanish Fort, Ala. Bill’s family is grateful for the compassionate care received by Dr. Cecilia MacCallum—his dear friend and oncologist with Centra’s Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center—as well as his physicians and transplant team at VCU Health, and the team with Centra Hospice.
The Celebration of Life in memory of William “Bill” Varner will take place at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Lynchburg Friday, May 27 at 10 a.m., with a reception following, beginning at 11:30 a.m., at No. 7 in downtown Lynchburg.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bill’s memory to one of the following organizations: the United Way of Central Virginia, the Academy Center of the Arts, the Lynchburg Humane Society or Donate Life America. In addition, please consider giving the gift of life by becoming an organ donor, if you are not already.
To view a recording of Bill’s Memorial Service, please visit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uwvIqVGN44YP9nQXPknIZcOIqKAHnOA9/view?usp=sharing
You are invited to share condolences and memories of Bill at obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com.
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To the Varner children - Bill and I were in graduate school at UAB many, many, moons ago. Your dad was extremely smart, witty and funny. Working on a project with him was always a lot of fun. I send my condolences on you losing him too soon. I hope that the memories others share with you can be of some help.
Posted by cele cushing cameron on July 12, 2022
I was so sorry to hear this news. Bill was such a terrific guy and I will cherish the memories we share, especially our Disney Cruise together. He is an inspiration to us all and I offer my deepest condolences. -The Ermans
Posted by Andrew Erman on May 14, 2022
Disney Cruise
Posted by Andrew Erman on May 14, 2022
Bill is leaving a wonderful legacy of a beautiful family and an enriched community. I will pray for much love and peace for your family. Thinking of you Catherine.
Posted by Sarah and Geoff Howes on May 13, 2022
Catherine & Varner Family: I am just learning of Bill’s passing from scrolling Linkedin. Mark & I offer our most sincere condolences. Bill was one of a kind! We enjoyed every interaction we had with him inside & outside of Centra. His astounding kindness & comedic presence made him such a joy. We are heartbroken for you, Catherine, and your beautiful kids. Please know our hearts are heavy & you all are in our thoughts.
Posted by Wenbren Coleman on May 13, 2022
Catherine and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was such a wonderful man and he will be missed by so many. I met him in the dental office and always looked forward to his visits. May your memories sustain you during this most difficult time. God Bless
Posted by KATHY HINES on May 11, 2022
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, Catherine. My deepest condolences.
Posted by Stuart Dollar on May 11, 2022
Catherine, Julia and Will. Your dad was a very special guy- as you very much know. He always made us laugh at horse shows. We have missed seeing all of you. We are very sad to hear of Bill’s passing. Please know you are in our hearts and prayers.
Posted by April, Travis & Rachel Hall on May 10, 2022
Catherine, Julia and Will. Your dad was a very special guy- as you very much know. He always made us laugh at horse shows. We have missed seeing all of you. We are very sad to hear of Bill’s passing. Please know you are in our hearts and prayers.
Posted by April, Travis & Rachel Hall on May 10, 2022
Catherine, Julia and Will. Your dad was a very special guy- as you very much know. He always made us laugh at horse shows. We have missed seeing all of you. We are very sad to hear of Bill’s passing. Please know you are in our hearts and prayers.
Posted by April, Travis & Rachel Hall on May 10, 2022
Catherine, Julia and Will. Your dad was a very special guy- as you very much know. He always made us laugh at horse shows. We have missed seeing all of you. We are very sad to hear of Bill’s passing. Please know you are in our hearts and prayers.
Posted by April, Travis & Rachel Hall on May 10, 2022
Catherine, Julia and Will. Your dad was a very special guy- as you very much know. He always made us laugh at horse shows. We have missed seeing all of you. We are very sad to hear of Bill’s passing. Please know you are in our hearts and prayers.
Posted by April, Travis & Rachel Hall on May 10, 2022
Catherine and family, I am so very sorry for this tremendous loss for you all! I will never forget how kind you two have been to myself and Brady! Bill was always so encouraging to Brady when he and Will played baseball together. You were both so generous and endearing! Brady and I both have such amazing memories with Bill and your family! He truly was such a gem and a huge contributor to our community! This whole community will experience a huge loss! But oh what joy I feel just in the fact that I knew him! Your family is very loved and I am so blessed to know you! What a beautiful tribute you have made for him what a beautiful family you are! I will be praying for your whole family as you not only grieve this loss but also celebrate his life!
Posted by Kathy Manville on May 10, 2022
Catherine and family, I am so very sorry for this tremendous loss for you all! I will never forget how kind you two have been to myself and Brady! Bill was always so encouraging to Brady when he and Will played baseball together. You were both so generous and endearing! Brady and I both have such amazing memories with Bill and your family! He truly was such a gem and a huge contributor to our community! This whole community will experience a huge loss! But oh what joy I feel just in the fact that I knew him! Your family is very loved and I am so blessed to know you! What a beautiful tribute you have made for him what a beautiful family you are! I will be praying for your whole family as you not only grieve this loss but also celebrate his life!
Posted by Kathy Manville on May 10, 2022
Catherine, please accept my most heartfelt condolences on the loss of Bill. Although I never had the honor of knowing him, he must have been an amazing man for raising two wonderful kids and being such a loving husband to you. I am praying for strength and peace for you and the kids during this time.
Posted by Lorrie Posey on May 9, 2022
Catherine, please accept my most heartfelt condolences on the loss of Bill. Although I never had the honor of knowing him, he must have been an amazing man for raising two wonderful kids and being such a loving husband to you. I am praying for strength and peace for you and the kids during this time. Lorrie Posey
Posted by Lorrie Posey on May 9, 2022
Having worked with Bill over the years on many different community projects, he was passionate, driven and so knowledgeable in the areas he touched. Lynchburg is a better place to live because of Bills efforts. His big heart, smile and quick wit will be everlasting. Hope his family finds comfort and peace in his resting.
Posted by Melody Ailsworth on May 8, 2022
Our condolences to Catherine and the family. Lynchburg is a better place because of Bill. He was one of the brightest, most quick witted, and funniest people I have known.
Posted by Joe Archambeault on May 7, 2022
Our hearts are breaking for you and your family. What a gracious, kind person and friend Bill has been to us over the past 13 years. We will treasure the friendship you both shared with us as we traveled similar journeys . I pray you find comfort in memories and the love he had for his family. Martha Hunt, Ashley Strozier, Bryan Hunt
Posted by Martha hunt on May 6, 2022
We are so sorry to hear of Bill passing he will be greatly missed
Posted by Cathy P Ewing on May 4, 2022
Catherine - No words can take away the pain for you and the children. I can only offer my deepest condolences at your loss. Becky Hanna
Posted by Rebecca Hanna on May 3, 2022
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