Varnell Burch was born on April 20, 1962 in Centreville, Illinois to the union of Charlotte Burch and Johnnell Nicholson. He was the fourth child born of seven. He later resided in Cahokia, Illinois.

Varnell attended Job Corps in Spokane, Washington. He later worked as a laborer.

Varnell is preceded in death by his mother, Charlotte Burch; his father, Johnnell Nicholson; brother, James Burch Jr.

Varnell departed this life on September 19, 2026. He leaves to cherish his memory one sister, Geneva Prayer of Greenwood, Mississippi; four brothers, Cornell (Chontell) Burch of Madison, Illinois, Aldric (Marilyn) Burch of Madison, Illinois, Johnny Burch of Centreville, Illinois, and Craig (Marilyn) Burch of Centreville, Illinois, and a host of nieces and nephews; one aunt, Josephine West of Itta Bena, Mississippi.