Jim "Uncle BoBo" Varnell

          Memorial services for Jim “Uncle BoBo” Varnell, 78, of Houston, will be held Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 12:00 Noon at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church in Houston with Pastor Trey Comstock officiating.

          Jim “Uncle BoBo” Varnell was born on March 2, 1946, in Center, Texas, to Harold Cleveland Varnell and Dorothy Irene (Steele) Varnell, and went home to Jesus Wednesday, February 19, 2025, in Lufkin surrounded by his family.

          Mr. Varnell loved and was loved by his family. He was always so proud of his nieces and nephews for what they have accomplished in life and what good parents they are. He was especially proud of the care that his nieces and nephews give to their parents.

          Jim supported all of his "kids" for decades.  He cheered them on at play performances, ball games, and Boy Scout courts of honor.  Jim was an unofficial Uber, taking church friends to the doctor or airport countless times.  He attended the Men's Prayer Breakfast, Thursday lunches at Don Jose, and organized Monday Night Dinner for years.

          St. Stephen's United Methodist Church was Jim's church home for over 40 years.  He loved his church and church family very much. Mr. Varnell had a true servant’s heart. He was involved in every aspect of the church from YEA young adult group to the VIP group for seniors where he made lasting friendships and enjoyed everything from floating the river to helping with the monthly Gathering Place. Jim co-taught the high school Sunday School class for years and volunteered in the Bible Village for Vacation Bible School. Jim coached the St. Stephen's softball team for years and may have been known to work on the starting line up during sermons of Sunday morning. He served on several church committees and sometimes volunteered in the office.  Jim was honored as the Outstanding Senior Adult.  He was the head usher for years where he greeted everyone as they walked into the sanctuary and was usually the first one to speak to visitors and learn all about them. He never met a stranger.

          Jim loved sports, especially the Astros.  He was always ready to talk sports to anyone who would listen.

          Jim was a successful salesman.  In his early years he sold cookware, then spent most of his career selling cars for Barney Garver Motors. 

          In addition to his biological family, Jim had a huge "family" in Houston. He was loved by many and will be sincerely missed.

          He is survived by his sister, Deloris Smith of Lufkin; brother and sister-in-law, Eddie and Toni Varnell of Deer Park, TX; nephew, Greg Kuykendall of Lufkin; niece, Dotti Varnell of Gonzalez, TX; niece and husband, Rhonda and Thomas Straughan of Pollok; niece, Suzanne Smith of Lufkin; niece and husband, Stephanie and Darren Foreman of Lufkin; niece and husband, Kim and Jacob Guerra of Deer Park, TX; niece, Leslie Pierce of Pasadena, TX; along with numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.

          Mr. Varnell was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Ronald E. Smith; niece, Aundi Kuykendall; and his lifelong love, Dorothy “Dotti” (Shown) Varnell.

          Special memorials may be made to St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, Asbury Class at https://stshtx.org/senior_adults/.

          Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin directors.