Michael Dennis Varner made his entrance into this world on Tuesday, July 18, 1950, in San Diego, California. He was the third child born to Earl Varner and Naretha Varner. He was a kind, loving and patient child.

Michael was affectionately known as "Big Mike" by close friends and family members. Michael participated in the Boy Scotts of America. He played Pop Warner Football as a child. As a young adult Mike enjoyed lifting weights and martial arts, achieving Black Belt status and loved showing off how to use the Nunchakus. During his early years Michael worked tirelessly to achieve social justice for marginalized populations within the community through The Neighborhood House Association.

Michael graduated from Lincoln High School, in Southeast San Diego, California. Shortly thereafter he joined the United States Marine Corps and began his training in Oceanside, California at Camp Pendleton (Hollywood Marines). Mr. Varner was stationed at Camp LeJeune in Jacksonville North Carolina and Okinawa, Japan where he was affectionally called "Teddy Bear Chong". He received the Rifle Marksman Badge and the National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Metal. His occupation in the Marine Corp was Motor Vehicle Operator. He received an honorable discharge from the Marine Corp. in 1974.

In April of 1985, Michael married the love of his life Deborah Shandy and together they raised five children. Michael and Deborah shared many adventures together that included: traveling within the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Michael loved secular and gospel music and had a large record collection. As a result of Michael's love of music, we became local Dj(s) and were known as DJ Magic Mike and Lady D.

From 1992 – 1993 Michael participated in the Regional Occupational Program (ROP) Studying Studio/Television Production. He completed his classes with a 4.0 grade point average. He also attended San Diego City College and Career College of San Diego in 2005 majoring in Multimedia Technology and Web Design. Mr. Varner worked for the Department of Defense at 32 nd Street Commissary as a Butcher meat cutter. He also served as Shop Stewart representing many commissaries workers and defending their labor rights. Growing up he attended Apostolic Faith Temple Church and was Baptized there under the direction of the late Bishop John Caldwell. In 1993 Michael received the gift of the Holy Ghost at Truth Apostolic Community Church, under the direction of the late District Elder A. C. Williams; where he served as a Deacon and he headed up the Media Outreach Department. In 2006 he moved his family to Winchester, California and began attending Great Oaks Apostolic Church where Pastor Charles Patmon is the Pastor. He was also a Deacon and Camera man at this church. Michael enjoyed helping new churches get started and assist Pastor Kevin Mason start and develop Kingdom Renewal Worship Center where he was also a Deacon and Camera man.

Michael loved to study and seek information regarding biblical knowledge and how it aligns with history. He not only read the Bible (King James International Version) but he also sought knowledge from the Books of the Apocrypha and other non-canonized books.

Michael loved technology, especially electronics, but operating an iPad, Motion picture camera and music always occupied his time. He always had the most current popular stereo system, VCR's, Compact Disks and IPAD's and he knew how to work each component intimately and sometimes better than youth of the family. He was a great teacher and trained many youth in the churches how to operate the video camera, how
to take photographs and most importantly how to care for the equipment.

Michael Dennis Varner was a humble man of God and a gentle, quiet, provider and protector of his family who had a big heart and loved us unconditionally.

Our hearts are saddened by his transition from this life, for we shall surely miss him praying for us, walking down the hallway, sneaking food, eating the last taco, and offering words of encouragement whenever it was needed.

He departed this life on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. He fought a Good Fight!

"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." 2nd Corinthians 5:8

He leaves to cherish his memories; his loving and devoted wife of 40 years Deborah L. Varner; three daughters Georgina Varner, Timica Caraway, Leslie Heard, (Latrice Heard preceded him in death); six grandchildren, Jasmin M. Varner, Robin A. Capriccio Varner, Joshua Capriccio Varner, Nandi Godon, Nadia A. Gordon, and Nkosi Bomani Haru Gordon. One Great Grandson, Larenzo Capriccio; sisters, Alyce Varner-Washington (James Washington of Oceanside, California.), Daisy Due of Bethel Island, California.; brother, Johnathan Johnson of Imperial Beach, California.; brother in-laws, Glenn Shandy (Nelda) of Corpus Christi, Texas, Curtis Shandy (Melody) of Corpus Christi, Texas,; sister-in-law, Pamela Shandy-Simms of Corpus Christi, Texas, and a host of relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life is set to take place Friday, May 16, 2025 at 11:00a, at Guardian Funeral Home located at 5922 Crosstown Access Road, State Highway 286, Corpus Christi, Texas 78417. Please leave your condolences.