James Anthony Varvel's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Tony Varvel
James Anthony “Tony” Varvel passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025. After several years of medical issues and a short but difficult battle with pancreatic cancer, Tony is now able to rest free of pain.
Tony was born on December 23, 1959 in Dallas, Texas to his mother, Billye Charles James. Tony discovered his passion for and love of golf at the age of 6, after being introduced to the game by his grandfather. His talent for golf opened many doors for him, including the opportunity to attend Stephen F. Austin State University on an athletic scholarship. Tony met his wife, Laura, during Laura’s first week of college at SFA in 1980. They were married for 41 years on April 28th of this year.
Over the years, Tony cultivated a life full of his favorite things - family, meeting new people, making friends, gardening, and working on his yard. Of course, Tony continued to golf until he was physically unable to any longer, and he also spent time fishing with his lifelong friends. Tony was a savvy businessman, working in construction sales for the majority of his life and owning his car detailing business, Concorso Detailing, for the past 15 years. Tony was also an active member of the community, including the Knights of Columbus, Porsche Club of America, and North Texas Mustang Club.
In the past year, another dream of Tony’s was realized - becoming a grandfather! Two grandsons joined our family, and Tony absolutely loved being a grandfather. He went by Grandaddy, as that is what he called his own grandfather. Family was truly Tony’s favorite part of life. He was thrilled to watch his children grow over the years and find their passions. If you knew Tony, you certainly heard him talk about his children and their successes - probably more than a few times!
Tony is preceded in death by his mother, Billye Charles James Badham. He is survived by his wife, Laura Elizabeth Schott Varvel; daughter Paige Varvel (Jimmie) and grandson Noah John; son Troy Varvel (Christina); daughter Catherine Saenz (TJ) and grandson Judah Charles.
A visitation, open to the public, will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025, from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm in Memorial Chapel at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas. A rosary service will take place right at 6:00 pm.
A private funeral mass, celebrated by Tony’s favorite priest Father Jovita Okoti, will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 and will be followed by his committal service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the HV3 Foundation or Catholic Charities of Dallas. Tony’s lifelong passion for golf opened so many doors for him throughout his life. Tony’s passion for golf also gave him an outlet during his childhood, where he spent hours on the golf course each week. The HV3 Foundation supports junior golfers and its mission is to make golf financially accessible for more children and youth. Catholic Charities of Dallas provides a wide array of services for those in need. Tony’s faith was very important to him, and he would be honored for donations to be made in his memory to this organization.
“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments but what is woven into the lives of others.” – Pericles
Arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home.
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