Promoted to Glory: Major David Varney
Major David Varney was Promoted to Glory on August 13, 2024, at the age of 88.
David Lee Varney was born on September 21, 1935, to officer-parents Brigadiers Amos and Virginia Varney, in Martinsville, VA. As a child of Salvation Army officers, he lived in many different places and learned a life of faithful service to God through the example of his parents.
His father began teaching him how to play a brass instrument when David was just six years old, just so he would learn to sit still, and he played his instrument for the following 82 years. His love of music would continue to play an integral role throughout his life. He was a member of the marching band in Fort Smith, AR, where he graduated from high school, and he joyfully continued to play music his entire life until he could no longer physically do so.
David entered the School for Officers’ Training in Atlanta as a member of the Faithful session of cadets. He was commissioned as a Salvation Army officer in 1957.
He married Martha Joan Henthorn on June 5, 1959, and together they served as corps officers, Harbor Light chaplains, and Adult Rehabilitation Center chaplains in several divisions, including National Capital & Virginia, Kentucky-Tennessee, Florida, Arkansas-Oklahoma, and Texas.
After Major Martha Varney was Promoted to Glory, Major David spent his summers helping at music conservatories in three divisions. He had a special place in his heart for musicians of all ages.
Major David Varney is survived by his daughters, Major Rhea Dawn (Mark) Woodcock, and Captain Tammie (Major Jeff) Miracle; one sister, Major Jacqueline Duncan; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Salvation Army music conservatory program of the Kentucky-Tennessee Division.
2110 High Wickham Place
Louisville, KY 40245