Franklin – John Charles Vargo, Jr., 76, passed away December 19, 2021 in Southampton Memorial Hospital.   Born in Southampton County on December 29, 1944, he was a son of the late John Charles Vargo, Sr. and Josephine Hasty Vargo.  He was also predeceased by a daughter, Angelia Harris.

John was a graduate of Windsor High School and a retired operator in the Pulp Mill Department at International Paper.  He taught defensive driving classes for the Commonwealth of Virginia and a former member of the Franklin Rescue Squad.  He was an active member of Burdette Baptist Church and was a member of the local Gideon Camp.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 55 years, Gracie Kitchen Vargo; a son, John Charles Vargo, III; a sister, Mary O'Neal; two brothers, James Arnold "Bugga" Vargo (Kay) and Thomas Edward "Tommy" Vargo; four grandchildren, Heather Nicole Harris and Joseph Adam Harris (Savannah) and Christopher Ryan Vargo and Samantha Gail Richards (Tyler); two great grandchildren, C. J. Harris and Blake Richards; a son-in-law, Steve Harris; and several nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service for John and his daughter, Angelia who died November 6, 2021, will be held Thursday, December 23, 2021 at 2PM in Wright Funeral Home with Rev. Joe Poe and Rev. James H. Hyatt, Jr. officiating.  The burial will follow at Southampton Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service and suggests that memorial donations be made to Burdette Baptist Church or Franklin Fire and Rescue.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org