SANFORD — Alton M. Varney, 82, of Sanford, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at his work in Sanford.

He was born in Windham on Nov. 27, 1931, a son of the late Elton and Doris (Curtis) Varney.

He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

For 10 years, he had been employed by Shaw’s as a meat manager. At the time of his death, he was working at Jerry’s Market in Sanford.

Alton was an independent individual, had a great sense of humor and greeted everybody at the store with his wonderful personality and charm. He enjoyed gardening and eating, but most of all, loved playing cribbage with his son-in-law and great-grandson.

Alton was preceded in death by: his wife, Carol Varney; and one son, Michael Varney.

He is survived by: his daughter, Lisa G. Jackson and her husband Kenneth L. of Windham; granddaughter, Sarah Jackson of Windham; great-grandson, Aiden Hall; very close brother, Lyndon “Boo” Varney of Windham; and close friends, Peter and Donna of Jerry’s Market.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main St., Springvale, on Saturday from 2-3 p.m. for a time of visitation. Burial with military honors will take place at 3:30 p.m. at the Forest Grove Cemetery in Lebanon. Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. Condolences may be expressed at www.blackfuneralhomes.com.