Varner Lamar Rencher, Sr.

Varner Lamar Rencher Sr., 87, of Clarksdale, Mississippi, died in Union City, Tennessee. Mr. Rencher was surrounded by his beloved wife of 61 years, Vernice Smith Rencher, immediate family and dedicated health professionals.

Varner Lamar Rencher, Sr. was born May 11, 1933, in Scooba, Mississippi to the Reverend Ollie L. and Mrs. Lizzie L. Rencher. As the son of a United Methodist pastor, Rencher resided in a number of north Mississippi communities; however, a significant portion of his youth was spent in Holly Springs. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Rust College and Master of Science and Education Specialist degrees from Delta State University.

Rencher served in the United States Army prior to working more than forty-two years in the Coahoma County and the Clarksdale Public School systems as a teacher, guidance counselor, coach, and sports announcer. The majority of his professional career was at W. A. Higgins High School and later W. A. Higgins Junior High School. He was the owner and operator of R&R Crafts and Rencher’s This & That from 1980 until 2017.

He was a member of national, state, and local educator and counselor associations, and several community and civic organizations, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Sycamore-Riley Block Club, and Rust College Alumni Association. As a lifelong member of the United Methodist denomination, Rencher spent his adult life as an active member of Haven United Methodist Church, serving as youth director, Sunday School teacher, United Methodist Men president, and a member of various committees, including the Board of Trustees, Administrative Council, and Pastor-Parish Relations Committee. His passion was always to invest in youth and in humanity.

He is survived by his wife, Vernice Smith Rencher; their children, Varner L. Rencher Jr. (Tracy), the Reverend Ollie V. Rencher (Ellie), and Petra Rencher McPhearson (Christopher); grandchildren, Victoria Rencher and Amanda McPhearson; one sister, Ollie Belle Rencher Dowsing; in-laws; and friends. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by one sister, Marie Rencher McGirt, two brothers, Rodell Rencher and Felix Rencher, and extended family.

A private burial service will be attended by family. A public memorial service will be offered after coronavirus restrictions are lifted at Haven United Methodist Church in Clarksdale, Mississippi. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to Haven United Methodist Church, 404 Yazoo Avenue, Clarksdale, MS 38614 or to the Varner L. Rencher Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund at Rust College, 150 Rust Avenue, Holly Springs, MS 38635.

Rawls Funeral Home - 731-885-8110