Joseph Stephen Varao III

Joseph Stephen Varao, age 42, of Hiawassee, Georgia passed peacefully in his sleep on January 6, 2017. Joey was born in Alameda, California on April 09, 1974. He is survived by his mother Donna Shoemaker, father Joe Varao and wife Sally of Hiawassee, Georgia; wife, Lisa Stevens of Hiawassee, Georgia; son, Todd Stevens of Laurel, Mississippi; daughter and son-in-law, Lauren and Danny Bean of Huntsville, Alabama; son, Mason Sampey of Laurel, Mississippi; brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Nicee Varao of Stockton, California; sister and brother-in-law, Lisa and Andre Pride of Huntsville, Alabama; brother, Jimmy Varao of Antioch, California, brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Melanie Hughes of Cottontown, Tennessee; sister and brother-in-law, Laurie and Anthony Belmares  of Hiawassee, Georgia; brother, Shawn Balfour of Huntsville, Alabama; grandson, Brody Bean of Huntsville, Alabama and a number of nieces and nephews also survive.

Joey and Lisa moved to Hiawassee three years ago and fell in love with the mountains and people here. Joey was helpful and active with helping at the House of Manna food pantry. Joey was very fun loving and quite a character, he loved people and was always there with a helpful hand. He always had a smile on his face and you could usually find him at the center of attention at any gathering, he was our life of the party. He was taken from us way to soon and we miss him terribly. 

In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to help defray expenses in Joey's memory. 

Visitation: Friday, January 13, 2017 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM at Banister Funeral Home

Memorial Service: Friday, January 13, 2017, 2:00 PM at Banister Funeral Home

Banister Funeral Home in charge of arrangements