Varner, Kinch
VARNER, III, Kinch Morgan
On October 20, 2021, Kinch Morgan Varner III "Morgan" died in Atlanta, Georgia. He was 80 years old.
Morgan is survived by his wife of 56 years, Chilton Davis Varner, his daughter, Ashley Elizabeth Varner, and his daughter-in-law, Julie Anne Quick, all of Atlanta. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kinch Morgan Varner Jr. (K.M.) and Anne Robison Varner.
Morgan was a "boy from Union Springs" (Alabama), born June 7, 1941. He graduated from Princeton University in 1963 with an A.B. in Economics and from Duke Law School with a J.D. with honors in 1966.
After graduating from law school, Morgan entered active service in the U.S. Army Artillery. He was part of the NATO peace-keeping forces in Germany, where he earned the rank of Captain in less than two years. He was in charge of the tactical nuclear weapons in the 4th Armored Division's area of operations and was awarded an Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service for his work.
Morgan's first job as an attorney was with the Atlanta firm of Kilpatrick, Cody, Rogers, McClatchey & Regenstein. After three years, he started a new firm, Varner & Stephens, (later Varner, Stephens, Humphries and White), which grew to nearly 20 lawyers before merging with the Kentucky firm of Stites & Harbison in 1999.
Morgan loved his craft and continued his work in real estate, construction, and estate law until the day of his death. He was well-known in his office building as the dapper, well-dressed gentleman coming in early, leaving late, and answering "Better than I deserve" when asked how he was doing.
Morgan was also known as a great Southern gentleman. He proposed to his wife, Chilton, after knowing her only four months. He coached Ashley's soccer team for 16 seasons, conveying his love of sports and of children. He had a deep love of learning and avidly studied both philosophy and religion. He never failed to stand up out of respect when a woman entered the room. His manners were exemplary.
The family will have a private, graveside funeral service with a Celebration of Life at a time to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to either:
The Emory University Department of Neurology online at https://together.emory.edu/varner or via mail:
Office of Gift Accounting, Emory University, 1762 Clifton Road NE, suite 1400, MS: 0970-001-8AA, Atlanta, GA 30322-4001. Please note "In Memory of Morgan Varner III" on the check notation line.
OR
The Bolch Judicial Institute at Duke Law School online at https://www.gifts.duke.edu/law or via mail:
210 Science Drive, Box 90362, Durham, NC 27708-0362. Please note "K. Morgan Varner III" on the check notation line or in the "In Memory Of" section of the giving website.
