Varnel A. Jones, 78, of Murphy, passed away Friday, Jan. 15, 2021 at his residence surrounded by his family.
He was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County.
Varnel had worked as a logger most of his life. In his later years, he began to work as a carpenter.
He was a member of Swanson Baptist Church, where he also served as a deacon.
Family was most important to Varnel, and he enjoyed listening to his kids play music.
He was the son of the late Rev. Henry Grady and Josephine Swanson Jones. Varnel was also preceded in death by three sisters, Lois Jones Meek, Lettie Mae Jones and Lola Jones Coleman; and six brothers, James E., Windom, Maynard, Cecil, J.L. and Von Jones.
Surviving are his loving wife of 53 years, Brenda Payne Jones; a daughter, Tammy Jones Ware and husband Andy of Murphy; two sons, Ron Dale Jones and wife Cherylene of Robbinsville, and Brian Anthony Jones and wife Jaimie of Murphy; a sister, Lexie Jones Weaver of McCaysville, Ga.; eight grandchildren, Matthew Jones and wife Heather, Taylor Gilton and husband Brandon, Trent, Quinn, Whitney and Brent Fabian, and Josey and Emery Ware; and two great-grandchildren, Hadleigh Jones and Declan Gilton. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Revs. Freddie Maney, Chris Floyd and Reggie Coleman officiating. Music was provided by the Payne family. Interment was in Swanson Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Stacy Jones, Linc Jones, Carroll Weaver, Mike Weaver, Dwight Coleman and Laughton Crowder. Honorary pallbearers were Keith Jones and Billy Self.
The family received friends from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Swanson Baptist Church, c/o Andy Ware, 21 Annie Jones Road, Murphy, NC 28906.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhome.com.