of Batesville, AR
October 12, 1949 - December 26, 2016
Royce Lynn Varnell died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on December 26, 2016 in Batesville, Arkansas at the age of 67. Royce is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Kathy, 2 daughters, Julie Turner (and son-in-law Doug) of Mountain View and Leigh Ann Wright (and son-in-law Nathan) of Springdale, 2 grandsons, Beau Turner and Chase Wright, 2 granddaughters, Tessa Scarlett Turner and Isabella Hope Wright, his mother, Almeda Minyard Varnell of Southside, a sister Marilyn Varnell of Conway, a brother Randy Varnell of Southside, and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Ira Randolph Varnell, his paternal grandparents Herman and Blanche Varnell, and maternal grandparents Roy and Edith Minyard.
Royce was born on October 12, 1949 in Batesville, AR. He graduated from Southside High School in 1967 and attended Arkansas State University in Beebe where he played basketball. Royce served in the U.S. Army from 1970-1972. He was stationed in Germany as a battery clerk and served as General Westmoreland's driver and escort. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Sharpshooter M16 Award. He was honorably discharged as a SP4. After he returned home, he received a personal letter from the general thanking him for a job well done. Royce and his dad co-owned IRV Trucking until 1986.
He married Kathy in 1989 and lovingly raised their daughters. Royce began working for Eastman Chemical Company in 1989 in the maintenance department. When he retired in 2015 from what is now Future Fuel Chemical Company, he was a master data technician in maintenance. He was well liked by his co-workers and loved his job. His family will remember him as a kind, loving, friendly, Christian husband, father, and grandad who loved fishing in Basscat Tournaments on Lake Norfolk, watching the Arkansas Razorbacks play football and basketball, vacationing at the beach, barbecuing ribs on the Fourth of July, and spending time with his family, especially watching his grandchildren participate in their school activities and sports. He was an active and dedicated member of the North Heights Church of Christ. Royce loved helping people, and everyone knew they could count on him. He was a member of the Batesville Bassmasters and helped organize the White River Bass Classic Tournament for many years. He was an Eagle Scout Board Member for the Boy Scouts of America. He coached girl's softball for the ICYAA. He helped out with youth activities at Harrison Street Church of Christ. He volunteered for the Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs program at Eagle Mountain Magnet School. He was always willing to help friends, family, and neighbors with building projects and anything they needed.
Visitation will be at Roller-Crouch Funeral Home on December 28 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. A funeral is scheduled for December 29 at 2:00 p.m. at North Heights Church of Christ in Batesville. Brother Tom German and Dr. Edward Meyers will officiate. Royce had many friends, and all are welcome to attend and celebrate Royce's life. Burial will follow the services at Oaklawn Cemetery. Pallbearers are Doug Turner, Nathan Wright, Bill Coles, Steve Cannon, Colin Patterson, and Steve Millikin. Honorary pallbearers are Mike Collins, Jamie Varnell, Wendal Jones, the employees of Future Fuel Chemical Company, and the elders and deacons of North Heights Church of Christ. The Family would like to thank Dr. Seth Barnes, Dr. Jordan Weaver, North Arkansas Home Health staff, the nursing staff on the 2nd Floor of Woodlawn Heights Nursing and Rehab Center, and Caring Hands Hospice for their compassionate care.
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17 Condolence(s)
Phillip, Pam, Matt, and Theron Lloyd
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Kathy and Girls,
So sorry to hear about Royce. He was such a nice and gentle man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Phillip,Pam,Matt,and Theron
Jerry N. Shipman
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Kathy,
Sorry about the passing of Royce, my prayers are with you.
Jim Whitson
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Kathy,
I have a lot of fond memories of working with Royce. Such a good person and good worker. He also introduced me to Kathy's famous banana pudding which Patti now makes for special occasions!!
Praying for you and your family,
Jim & Patti Whitson
Alice Witterman
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Kathy, I am sorry to learn you have become a widow also. I did not know Royce except by how lovingly you spoke of him. I liked learning how he served General Westmoreland. What an honor, and then to get a letter from him!
Take care of yourself as you grieve. Best wishes to the girls and their families also.
Alice
Becky Jeffery
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Kathy, I just heard about Royce(am still out of town with Scott and his family);I am so sorry. Praying for you and the family during this difficult time. Please let me know if you need anything or want to talk.
Lori Passmore
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Kathy,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I always looked forward to seeing you and Royce at the office. My prayers are with you.
Kay Stice
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Kathy, please know I have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Remember I'm just down the street and always available if you need anything or if you ever just need to talk. I know your memories will carry you through coming days, weeks, and years.
Peggy Bolin Tovey
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Royce was such a great man and was loved by all who knew him. I'm so sad for the entire family. I send you all love and prayers and a wish for peace within your hearts.
Tracey Mitchell
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. I'm praying for you and your sweet family.
Tracey Mitchell
Laura Anderson
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Kathy,
We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
In Christ,
Laura Anderson & Marley
Scott Wood
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Kathy, we are praying for you and your family. Royce was a great friend. One of the nicest guys I have known. Our relationship goes back to the 70's. We will miss him.
Jerry and Gail Carter
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
We are so very sorry to hear about Royce passing. He was a very good friend and a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jackie Hensley Belin
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
So incredibly sorry for your loss! We are praying for your entire family.
Joyce and Jerry Hensley and
Jackie Belin
Alta Faye (Craig) and Jerry Howery
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Marilyn,
So sorry to hear of your brother's passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Alta Faye & Jerry
Tim & Shay Turner
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
So sorry, if anything we can do just call.
Beth James
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. The James family will take you all in our prayers. We were very fond of Royce and we will greatly miss him.
Donna s Fagan
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Royce was such a wonderful kind man. As across the street neighbors I alway enjoyed visiting with him in the afternoon. One thing I know for sure, he loved Kathy and the girls. So sorry for your great loss.