Lawrence Pugh Varner, 87, passed away on May 16, 2025, at Columbus Hospice in Columbus, Georgia.  He was born on October 5, 1937 in Ocilla, Georgia, to the late Lawrence Pickens Varner and Virginia Pugh Varner.

Lawrence is survived by his daughter, Virginia "Ginny" Varner Fuller, his half sister, Sue Varner Dews and Fe Varner Higginbotham, and Sandra Lanier Davis, his girlfriend of 42 years.

Lawrence served six years in the Army Reserves.  He worked 10 years at the Ledger-Enquirer including the positions of District Manager of Circulation, Credit Manager and then assumed the Assistant Comptroller position.  He went to work at Blue Cross Blue Shield as a Medicare Auditor, then moved to the Senior Medicare Auditor and retired after 30 years as the Auditor Supervisor.

Lawrence attended Emory at Oxford and graduated from Emory University with a bachelor's degree in political science.

He was an avid Georgia Bulldog fan.  During his hay day, he attended all the Georgia Football games and had season tickets.  Go Dawgs!

In later years, every morning he would send the daily newspaper comics to his friends and family.  He also enjoyed doing the jumble every morning.  He loved Ollie, his grand dog.

A Visitation with friends will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, from 10:00 - 10:45 am, at Northside Cemetery, Lumpkin, Georgia.  The Graveside Service will be at 11:00 am, following the visitation at the Northside Cemetery.  The Reverend Dan Smith will officiate the service.

Those attending the services are asked to wear the University of Georgia colors!

In Lieu of Flowers:  donations may be made in Lawrence's memory to:  PAWS, 4900 Milgen Rd., Columbus, GA 31907

Baldwin Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. www.baldwinfuneralhome.com , P O Box 394, Richland, GA 31825