Ralph Varnam, 94 years and 2 months, died on Veterans Day, November 11, 2017.

Born in Brunswick County on September 11, 1923, a son of the late Samuel Claude Varnam and Mary Dixon Varnam. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Beatrice Lancaster Varnam; a son, Wade Varnam; a grandson, Kevin Varnam; and a great-granddaughter, Isabella Beatrice Mazzola.

He was a WWII, US Navy Veteran and retired from Brunswick County Grounds and Maintenance as a Supervisor.

Surviving are son, Howard (Barbara) Varnam of Ocean Isle Beach, NC; daughter, Karen (Chip) Harris of Oak Island, NC; brothers, Herbert “Midgett” Varnum and O’Neal “Knott” Varnam; sister, Eula Mae “Tudie” Dixon, all of Varnamtown, NC; grandchildren, Michele (Nick) Mazzola, Adrian Varnam, and Aaron Varnam; great grandchildren, Sofia, Nicholas, Emma Grace, and Jonathan Mazzola; and caretaker and special friend, Dave Jones.

A Celebration of Life will be conducted on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at 2:00 pm in Dixon Chapel United Methodist Church, officiated by The Reverend William Negron and The Reverend Bobby Norton. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors.

Casketbears will be Adrian Varnam, Aaron Varnam, Sammie Varnam, Tony Varnum, Thomas Varnum, and Alex Kuigre. Honorary casketbearers will be Steve Varnam, Linwood Varnum, Dave Jones, Blondell Robinson, and Wink Champion.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at the church.

Memorials may be directed to SECU Hospice “Brunswick House”, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 in Mr. Ralph Varnam’s memory.