Jackie “J.D.” Donald Varnadore Sr., 86, died peacefully in his sleep Thursday morning, August 29, 2024, at his residence in Birchwood, TN.
He was born November 26, 1937 in Valdosta to the late John Willard Varnadore and Della Irene Varnadore Griffin, growing up Bickley and Nicholls.
He worked many jobs in Ohio, Oklahoma, California, Virginia, Tennessee, Florida and Georgia, but his passion was photo finishing. He started his career with Flanders Photo Finishing in Waycross and then worked with several companies all across the country. He also worked for Gaston Photo, Waycross, Reedy Photo, St. Petersburg, FL, Coppinger Photo, Cleveland, TN and opened his own business, Varnadore Studio in Pierce County.
Although he was a native of Georgia, he considered Tennessee his second home.
In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his siblings, Leona Griffin, Kenneth Varnadore, Emma Lee Surrency, Lorene Eicher, Ruth Lee Pearson Risen, Betty Jean Mixon Jacobs, Mattie Lou Sweat and other half brothers and sisters.
Survivors are his children, Jackie “Donald” Varnadore Jr. (Joyce), Blackshear and Susan Messer (Brent), Birchwood, TN; one grandson, two granddaughters, two great-grandsons; his loving baby brother, Dennis Dale Varnadore, Brunswick; numerous nieces, nephews and his former wife, Dixie Burr Varnadore.
Visitation will from from 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, September 3, at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, from the Music Funeral Home Chapel.
Interment will follow in Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.musicfuneralhome.com.
Music Funeral Home of Waycross is in charge of arrangements.
