Boyce "Bud" Varnell

Boyce (Bud) Varnell, 97, of Knoxville went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 13, 2026. He was born and raised in Charleston, TN to the late Henry J. and Pearl Inez Varnell. Bud spent most of his adult life in Morristown and Cleveland Tennessee with the last three years in Knoxville.

He graduated from Charleston High School and joined the Navy during WW II where he was an electrician on a baby aircraft carrier. After his discharge from the service, he was an active member of the VFW, American Legion, and the Amvets where he held the position of Commander for a brief time. He spent his entire career with TVA where he achieved the position of Senior Hydro Plant Operator and spent time at Fontana, Douglas, Cherokee, and Watauga dams before retiring after more than 30 years.

Bud loved his family dearly and was a trusting and generous friend. He was an avid UT Vols fan who loved attending UT football games with his daughter. In addition to his love of dancing and listening to his favorite music, he enjoyed deep sea fishing trips with his friends (buddies). During his time in Knoxville, he was loved by his senior independent living family for frequently making and distributing at dinner his famous hush puppies and cornbread made from scratch. He also got immense joy from asking “Alexa” daily for a funny joke that he could share with each table during and after dinner.

In addition to his parents and grandparents he was preceded in death by his wife, Marie (Doll) Barbara Varnell; sisters Mildred Heil, Mary V. Baker, Helen Malmquist; and brother John Varnell.

Survivors include his daughters Donna Golden and husband James (Jack), Lori Horne and husband Frank; grandchildren, Stefanie Rutzinski and husband Chad, Boyce James (BJ) Golden and wife Julie.  Great grandchildren, Alicia Pearson (Nolan), Riley Rutzinski, and Kaden Rutzinski.  One great-great grandson, Brooks Pearson, and a host of beloved friends.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the residents, the Resident Assistants, and the Wait Staff that watched over him and loved him the last three years that he spent in Knoxville in the senior independent living facility.

The family will receive friends Friday, March 20, 2026 from 6-8 p.m. in the chapel of Stetzer-Bales Funeral Home.  Funeral services will follow at 8:00 p.m.  Military/graveside services will be Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Jarnagin Cemetery.

Arrangements by Stetzer-Bales Funeral Home.

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