Willie Franklin Varner

Willie “Bill” Franklin Varner, 88, of Asheboro passed away on September 26, 2025, at the Salisbury Department of Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, with his brothers at his side.

Bill was a North Carolina native, born on Valentine’s Day in 1937 to Charles Raymond and Mary Hunt Varner. At just 16 years old he began what would turn out to be a lifelong career in the textiles industry. Bill enlisted in the military as a young man and served our country proudly in the United States Army. He was a lifelong outdoorsman, especially keen on hunting and fishing. He is remembered by his family as being a great cook, frequently cleaning and preparing the game he’d gone out and obtained himself.

Bill loved to pick and cut up, always making those around him laugh with his quick, witty humor. He was a long time regular at 220 Grill in Asheboro. He could often be found there in the early morning hours, before the sun was even up, ready to get inside as soon as the doors opened and start socializing. Bill suffered significant losses throughout the years, but he and his siblings remained close, loving one another until the end.

He is survived by his sister, Clara McDuffie of Asheboro, brother, J.C. Varner (Melissa) of Thomasville, sister, Norene Parrish of Asheboro, and brother, Marshall Varner (Judy) of Trinity. He is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his late wife, Shirley Cox Varner, his son, Tim Varner, and his sister, Louise Aikens.

The Varner Family will receive friends in a public visitation at Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 10:00am. A memorial service will follow the visitation in the funeral home chapel at 11:00am, with brother Mike Thompson officiating. 437 Sunset Avenue Asheboro, NC 27203. Services will conclude with burial at Randolph Memorial Park, 4538 US Highway 220 Business N. Asheboro, NC 27203.

Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro is honored to be serving the Varner Family at this time.