Dear Editor: On behalf of DeKalb Technical College, we offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the late Mr. Roy Varner. Every life has a story to tell and DeKalb Technical College would be amiss if we did not take this opportunity to tell you what Mr. Varner’s life, friendship and support meant to our college and the lives of our students over the years. 

The successes our college has achieved since its beginning in 1961 have been built on solid foundations and friendships. Twenty years ago, representatives from DeKalb Technical College administration sat down with Mr. Varner and other public officials to discuss the possibility of establishing a satellite location in Newton County. Mr. Varner’s excitement, his vision, and his anticipation of future needs of the community became a driving force in bringing this dream to reality. 

A true visionary, Mr. Varner was firm in his commitment to DeKalb Technical College as he took important steps in selecting a site on Turner Lake Circle. In 1991, DeKalb Tech moved in and quickly filled three tenant buildings with classes ranging from Certified Nurse Assistant, G.E.D., Computer, Electrical and Mechanical Training.  

Thank you, Mr. Roy Lee Varner, for your foresight in making a place for DeKalb Tech to grow. Because of the faith Mr. Varner and all the citizens of Newton County placed in DeKalb Tech, we now serve the Newton County community in two locations: The Newton Center at 8100 Bob Williams Parkway and the Covington Campus at 16200 Alcovy Jersey Road.  We are among the largest technical colleges in the state of Georgia serving more than 20,000 students annually by providing academic and technical training through accredited educational programs for entry into over 120 skilled and paraprofessional occupations, continuing education, adult literacy, and customized business and industry training. 

Faculty, staff, students and visitors see “Mr. Roy’s” name memorialized at the entrance of the “Roy L. Varner Board Room” at our Newton Center. 

The impact of Mr. Varner’s life spans far beyond the boundaries of the college and the Covington community. He was a true leader and diplomat. His life is best described by the words of the sixth President of the United States, John Quincy Adams: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” Roy Varner was a leader in every sense of the word.