Edward Varner

Rev. Edward Joe “E.J.” Varner, 79, of East Ridge, Tenn. passed away Sunday, Mar. 3, 2019. He was the former pastor of South Chattanooga Church of God and was a member of Spring Creek Church of God. Rev. Varner was also the owner of Incline Hardware for many years as well as being a Realtor and Insurance Agent. He and his wife Fran had traveled the world. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil Edward Varner and Nellie Louella Johnson Varner. Survivors include his wife, Fran Varner; son Dr. Butch Varner and his wife, Jenny; two grandchildren, Joshua Varner and Micah Varner. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 South Moore Road with the Rev. Bennie Mills officiating. Burial will be in Lenoir City Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.