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Wally Varner Passes AwayAbout This Article
Written: 12/28/2004 
Author: AGM
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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.
Reader Comments
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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
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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.
He influenced me greatly. I'm gonna miss him
"Give the World a Smile" -
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.
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Wally Varner was my Uncle,
MY God Bless his Daughter. Debbie -
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.
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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.
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