J.R. Varnell, Jr., went to be with the Lord on December 25, 2023, at the age of 71. He was born to Johnnie Richard and Jo Ann Varnell on October 13, 1952, in Plainview, Texas.
J.R. graduated from Hirschi High School in Wichita Falls, Texas in 1971, where he was a member of the National Honor Society, President of his Acapella choir, played Hirschi Huskie football and was a track and field high jumper.
J.R. married Stephanie Jane Straten on October 26, 1974, in Dallas, Texas and resided in Allen since 1981. He was of the Baptist faith and was a member of Cottonwood Creek Church.
J.R. worked at Electronic Data Systems, EDS, as a computer programmer for 35 years until his retirement in 2006. JR’s most notable EDS contributions were the Military Project Viable and Y2K.
He enjoyed Friday night Allen football games, dragster and round track car racing, and watching track and field events. J.R. was a Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and University of Texas fan. He loved coaching youth sports, including baseball, soccer, and basketball. All who knew J.R. knows he never met a stranger, always had a story to tell and helped countless people throughout his life.
J.R. is survived by his loving wife, Stephanie Varnell of Allen, Texas; sons, Shane Richard Varnell of Dallas, Texas, and Grant Straten Varnell and wife, Megan, of Prosper, Texas; granddaughters, Lennon Adaline Varnell, and McCartney Rose Varnell; sister, Vicky Montgomery of Lafayette, Louisiana; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other loving family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie Richard and Jo Ann Varnell; sister, Virginia Varnell; and brothers, Johnny Varnell, Gilbert Varnell, Gary Varnell, and Chester Varnell.
A Celebration of Life for J.R. will be held at a future date and place.