How do you honor the legacy of a man who left a sizable amount of money to local charities and organizations?

That is the question, with which supporters and staff of the George Armstrong Library are grappling after receiving a generous gift from the late Neil Varnell.

After his death in March, Varnell gave thousands of dollars to a long list of charitable organizations, including the Natchez public library.

By all accounts, Varnell led a frugal life. Not one who sought unnecessary attention unless he thought it was for the good of the community, Varnell was content welcoming guests to his quiet corner of the world overlooking the Mississippi River.

Recently the Natchez Preservation Commission approved a proposal to add a bronze bench and statue honoring Varnell for the front entrance of the library.

Reportedly the statue and bench would cost more than $15,000 — a number the library has yet to confirm.

Friends of Varnell and supporters of the library have since expressed their concern that such a high-priced memorial is not fitting for a man who was thrifty and made the most of everything he had.

Library Director Pamela Plummer recently said the library board of directors has yet to decide what to do with Varnell’s bequest, including whether to purchase the bench and statue in Varnell’s name.

Even though filled with good intentions, the library’s bench proposal risks tearing apart a portion of the community Varnell sought to foster and grow with his generous gift.

We encourage all of the stakeholders involved to pause and consider how to honor Varnell in a way that befits his life and love for Natchez.

Varnell made his generous donation to Natchez to foster the community, not divide it.