Wally Varner, former pianist for the Blackwood Brothers and many other groups, passed away December 28 from myelofibrosis. He was 78 years old.
Wally and his wife, Polly, have resided in Winter Haven, FL for the past years. Funeral services have not yet been set but are expected to be held on Monday, January 3.
Please remember the Varner family during this time of loss.
Author: AGM
| Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 12/28/2004
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Category: News & Scoops
Comments: 23
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He will be missed. His ministry will continue on my radio programs. My prayers are with the family
Another SGMA goodie gone. I have been enjoying Wally's piano playing since I first met him at Lee College, Cleveland, Tennessee in, I believe 1945.
Another legend passes on. Wally was one of the best showmen, and greatest talents gospel music has ever had. He will be missed.
Thanks to men like Wally & other of the 50's to 70's era I learned to play some of them cornbread style chords even with a handicap. He will be missed by all that knew him, and the ones that didn't, their loss. Thanks
I played the "Precious Memories" tape today and my 80-year old mom and I watched Wally play "Goodbye World, Goodbye". This was about 4:00 p.m. How interesting. Always looked at the store to see if I could find one with Wally featured. Wally was so wonderful at the piano. He loved and enjoyed it so much. The angels have to be shouting....they got Wally to play piano for them. May God Bless the Varner family.
Wally and I have been friends for many years.He
Wally was one of the greatest ever on the piano.
Not only was Wally one of the best pianist of all times, as I write this note from Wally's home office computer, I am reminded that he was one of the best brothers that I could have ever had and Polly [Wally's Wife] says he was the best husband she could have ever had.
God Bless the Varner Family during this time. our prayers r with you
"When all of God's singers get Home..." Seems like all of the good ones are leaving and the Heavenly Choir is filling up...Just imagine ths sounds of Heaven today...We Love You Wally
Polly, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Wally was one of the greatest piano players of all time. Keep your chin up and hug the animals.
Bro. Wally was a good friend to the DJ's in Gospel Music. He had time to talk to you and share a laugh with you. He was one of a kind in his style of piano playing. I talked to him many times at the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion in Greenville, S.C. over the years until he was no longer able to attend. We will miss you but thank the Lord we still have recordings of your wonderful Music. Our prayers are with all the family. We loved Wally and we Love you too.
Wally Varner and I met when we both joined the Homeland Harmony Quartet in the late 1940's and again in the Revelaires Quartet in the 1950's. When we left the road and went to work in the insurance business, Wally, Bob Crews and I formed a week-end quartet in Atlanta and sang until Wally joined the Blackwood Brothers. He remained like a brother until the end and I will miss him. As for Wally, he is now "Rolling, Riding, Rocking In The Sky". Good bye old friend.
As James Blackwood's final pianist, let me tell you that Wally Varner was not "one of", but rather "THE" finest pianist ever to grace a gospel stage! Wally did not need an "orchestra" on a soundtrack to back him up...he was the the orchestra! We have lost a legendary instrumentalist and a great personality! Our love to Polly...
I met Wally back in the fiftys,in Fresno, Calif when singing with my own family.Wally was the best piano players ever.He will be greatly missed.But Heaven is now even more Joyful.My Sincere Blessing to His Wife and Family.We will all meet again in Heaven someday..God Bless..Carolyn....Three Notes Trio & Waymakers Quartet
Of all the great pianist I've had the pleasure to listen to, Wally Varner's distinctive style and precision puts him in a league all by himself.
Wally was a great inspiration and mentor to me. I shall always cherish the time of study and the visit with him in his home. Not only do I feel he was the greatest pianist in gospel music, but he had a heart that was as big as his talent. May God bless his family.
Wally Varner was my Uncle,
He was my distant cousin. Our grandmothers were sisters, but we seemed closer than that. I always loved his playing, especially precious memories. He was the best! I know there is rejoicing in Heaven when he sees all the loved ones who have gone before.
I used to live in Findlay, Ohio and the Blackwood Brothers would make a trip up that way every so often. I could not believe anyone could play like him; it just seemed so easy. I don't know how he could touch so many keys at one time, but the melodies would just send shivers up and down my spine. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. He will be greatly missed. His family is in my prayers.
Wally was the best!! Does anyone know where I could purchase some of his C D'S!
I saw a great tribute to Wally on the Blackwoodbrothers.com of course you must put in WWW. before the address. I also ordered two of Wally's tapes, from that same web site.
Wally Varner Was Good Piano Player I Never Really Watch Him Before Until I Started Watching The Gaither Homecoming Videos I Am Ronnie Jeremiah Pady I Am 13 Years Old And I Live In Porter, Texas By Houston ,Texas And Wally Varner Is Piano Legend.
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