A Legendary Century: Remembering Coach Willie Varner at 100
The Woodruff Times marked what would have been the 100th birthday of Willie Leo Varner (born May 22, 1926), the Army veteran and football coach credited with building Woodruff's football reputation. The home stadium bears his name.
The Woodruff Times published a tribute by staff writer Garrett Mitchell on June 2, 2026, marking what would have been the 100th birthday of Willie Leo Varner, born May 22, 1926, in Gaffney, S.C.
A coach and a neighbor: The paper remembers Varner as a son, brother, Army veteran, husband, father and grandfather, and as a friend, mentor and competitor to many in Woodruff. He is credited with helping make Woodruff a well-known football program, and he was a respected professional and advocate for the community.
Still honored today: The Woodruff football stadium carries his name, and trophies from the program remain on display at the school. The article notes that Woodruff's most recent state football title came in December 1984. Varner died at age 83.
This is our own summary of reporting by The Woodruff Times. Read the full tribute at the source link.