Bowling Green Community Mourns the Loss of Jimmie Ray Varney

News Summary

The Bowling Green community bids farewell to Jimmie Ray Varney, a dedicated coal miner and family man who passed away at 83. His legacy of hard work, faith, and family love will live on through his children and grandchildren.

Bowling Green, Kentucky – A Fond Farewell to Jimmie Ray Varney

It is with heavy hearts that we report the passing of Jimmie Ray Varney, a beloved member of the Bowling Green community, who left this world on February 6, 2025, at the age of 83. Jimmie was born on September 3, 1941, in the small town of Pike County, Kentucky, and lived a life filled with dedication, family, and faith.

A Life of Hard Work and Commitment

Jimmie spent many years working hard as a retired coal miner in Eastern Kentucky. His labor in the mines was a testament to his strong character and unwavering work ethic, traits that he instilled in his family. The journey of Jimmie’s life was not only about work but also about the values he held dear—living his life in accordance with the teachings of the Baptist faith. His love for God was evident, especially in the time he cherished reading the Bible.

Family Legacy

Jimmie’s family was everything to him. His wife, **Wanda (Ramey) Varney**, sadly passed before him, but he leaves behind a strong legacy through his four children: Carmen Purpus and her husband Greg, Brian Varney and his wife Carol, Lynetta Stiltner and husband Rick, and LaWanda May and her husband Mike. Together they formed a close-knit family that will continue to honor his memory.

Along with his children, Jimmie is survived by four brothers: Garland Jr., Ivan, Julius, and Bruce, three sisters: MaryJane, Gail, and June, and an impressive lineage of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren, two step-grandsons, eleven great-grandchildren, and three step-great-grandsons. Jimmie’s family extends beyond immediate relations, as he had a host of nieces and nephews who will remember him fondly.

Visitation and Funeral Services

Community members wishing to pay their respects can join the family during the visitation scheduled for Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. CST until 8:00 p.m. CST at Bernard Funeral Home in Russell Springs, Kentucky. A special funeral service celebrating Jimmie’s life will begin at 6:00 p.m. CST that same evening. Visitation will resume on Sunday, February 9, 2025, starting at 8:00 a.m. CST, providing friends and family additional time to gather and share memories of Jimmie.

The final honors for Jimmie will commence at 10:00 a.m. CST on February 9, 2025. With Bro. Dean Seneff officiating, this ceremony promises to be a heartfelt tribute to a man who meant so much to so many. Following the service, Jimmie will be laid to rest at Jamestown Cemetery, a peaceful place where family and friends can remember him.

A Special Tribute

Jimmie’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers during the service, a fitting way to honor their grandfather’s memory. The names of the pallbearers—Nick, Patrick, Dean, Cecil, Jaxson, and Xane—will echo in the hearts of those who loved him.

Bernard Funeral Home is handling the arrangements, and for those unable to attend, an online register book is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com, ensuring that everyone has a chance to leave their thoughts and condolences.

As we say goodbye to Jimmie Ray Varney, we remember a life well-lived, filled with love, hard work, and a dedication to family that will remain a guiding light for generations to come.

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Additional Resources

• Bowling Green Daily News
• Wikipedia: Obituary
• Bowling Green Daily News Main Site
• Google Search: Bowling Green Kentucky
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Coal Mining