WINTER HAVEN - J. Clyde Varner, 85, of Winter Haven died, Saturday, April 14, 2007 at his residence due to kidney failure.

Born September 21, 1921 to Jesse R. and Flora Varner in Ashburn, GA, J. Clyde moved to Winter Haven 82 years ago. He was of the Pentecostal Faith and was a retired Citrus Grower and Real Estate Broker. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving during WWII where he fought in the Pacific Theater including the Battle of Iwo Jima.

He is preceded in death by: his parents, a son, Michael Paul Varner; and a daughter, Linda Keath.

He is survived by: his wife of 60 years, Betty J. Varner; sons, Herbie and Joe Varner both of Winter Haven; daughter, Jessie Heathman of Melbourne; 2 brothers, Otto Varner of Arcadia and Kenny Wayne Varner of Auburndale; 3 sisters, Rena Blackburn, Geraldine Powell both of Winter Haven and “Nila” Marcille Touchton of Lakeland; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 5:00pm till 7:00pm, today, Monday, April 16, 2007 at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, 2425 Havendale Blvd., Winter Haven. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am, Tuesday, April 17, 2007 in the Oak Ridge Funeral Care Chapel with Rev. Wayne Blackburn officiating. Interment will follow at Rolling Hills Cemetery in Winter Haven. Memorials may be sent to Good Shepherd Hospice, 105 Arneson Ave., Auburndale, FL 33823. Condolences to www.oakridgefuneralcare.com.