Rodey Ree Varnell

Rodey Ree Varnell, 57 of La Plata Maryland passed at his home with his loving family around him his wife Cathi played their wedding song “One in a Million” by Larry Graham as she held his hand and stroked his hair giving him one last kiss on September 7, 2023. He was the son of Roy Richard Sr. and Margaret (Beach) Varnell. He was born on October 2, 1965, in Cheverly Maryland, in the Oxon Hill area (but grew up in La Plata Maryland). After graduating from McDonough high school in 1983, he received several certifications and his master’s degree in human resources management. He worked for Giant Food as a Human Resource manager for over 20+ years. He retired from Giant in 2015. He then moved to MRW lawn Inc. to be the sales account manager. He loved his job and the company he always said they were more like family than coworkers. Roe loved to watch Football; he loved all sports he would even watch Golf and was an avid lifelong Atlanta Falcons fan. He also enjoyed playing tennis and was an amazing baseball player (probably could’ve gone pro if it wasn’t for a horrible injury he suffered at 16). Roe loved watching his sons play sports both of his sons ran cross country for La Plata High School. Noah also ran outdoor and indoor track. Noah also played basketball in middle school and high school. Jonah was in JROTC and the STEM program. Both Noah and Jonah excelled in school and sports they both were scholar athletes. Both boys played NFL sponsored flag football for years. Their Dad loved cheering them on. Especially the year Noah was on the Falcons. Jonah’s team won a super bowl with Jonah pulling the game winning flag! When his daughter Tori was a little girl she was a cheerleader for the St. Charles Bears. Her Daddy would do the cheers with her helping her to remember all the words and moves. Roe also was a part of several bowling leagues over the years including one he and his wife Cathi bowled on. He also played on a horseshoe leagues. One of his favorite things to do was go to the horse races, at Rosecroft and bet on the horses. His parents loved doing this as well, and his father taught him how to pick the horses when he was four years old. There were many times he won quite a bit of money betting on horses. He loved to listen to music and dance, his gardening skills really showed off his green thumb he built his garden brick by brick. Most of the plants came from a tiny little seed that he babied and cared for, until they grew into an amazing oasis in his yard. He was beyond gifted with flowers, plants, and grass. When going out in public he loved to tease his family and embarrass them he thought it was hilarious. Him and his wife enjoyed decorating for every holiday. The neighbors especially the children loved the decorations. Overall, he just loved being with his family, loving on his wife, children and living life to the fullest. Roe was also an amazing cook, both in the kitchen and on the grill. Every year he made the turkey for Thanksgiving for the family. His father-in-law Tom would say “Rodey was born to make Thanksgiving dinner” He was amazing on the grill and impressed everyone at the family cook outs. He also used to make his Mom’s famous potato salad which was a “fan favorite” and any time it was brought to a potluck; people went crazy over it. It took 3 days to make it. Rodey is predeceased by his parents and his mother-in-law Marilyn Littlejohn and father-in-law Thomas Littlejohn Sr. He is survived by; his loving wife Catherine Littlejohn-Varnell, his children Victoria McDowell (Marcus), Noah Varnell (Marina) and Jonah Varnell (Kenzie) along with his Brothers; Ricky, Rocky, and Ronny, sisters and brother (in laws); Barbara Malloy (David), Theresa Leitch (Brian), TJ Littlejohn, Granddaughters; Nevaeh and Ari McDowell, Nieces; Brandy Varnell, Crystal Varnell (Tom), Madison Varnell, Nephews; Brandon and Nate Leitch, Great nieces; Brittany Hammer (Will), Bethany Chiarizia, Great great nieces; Alyssa, Shianne Ava, Joann, Nevaeh and Great great nephews; Ryan and Jack, as well as many beloved extended family and friends. Visitation will be held in Raymonds funeral chapel on September 14th, 2023 from 2pm until time of the service at 4pm until 5pm. His repass will be immediately following the service at Greene Turtle in La Plata.

Rodey Ree Varnell

October 2, 1965 - September 7, 2023