Reece Lester (1-31-12)

CRAWFORD - Reece Cleveland Lester, Jr., 82, passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2012.

He was originally from Ila, but had been a resident of Oglethorpe County for many years and was a member of Living Waters Baptist Church in Arnoldsville. He was the son of Reece Lester and Leila Darnell and was preceded in death by his wife, Mattie Doster Lester and all of his siblings.

He was an entrepreneur for over 40 years of a wholesale grocery business and after retiring, was employed at Wal-Mart for five years, which he commonly referred to as his "other" family. He was a member of the United States Marine Corp for eight years and served in the Korean War. He was well known in the community as a racecar driver and animal lover. His passion for those was surpassed only by his devotion to his wife and soul mate, Mattie. His love of auto racing and his horsemanship skills have been passed on to three generations, and his love for animals has been instilled in his entire family. His presence will be missed greatly throughout the community, his church, his friends at Wal-Mart and most deeply by his family.

Survivors include two sons, Stan Lester, Hartwell, and Don Lester, Crawford; one daughter, Michelle Lester, Winterville; five grandchildren, Joshua Lester, Ashley Meadow, Johnathon Lester, Brandon Lester and Eddie Lester; two great-grandchildren, Blake Lester and Taylor Lester; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Friday, February 3, at 1 p.m. at the chapel of Lord and Stephens, EAST. Tim McDonald of Living Waters Baptist Church will officiate. Interment will be in Evergreen Memorial Park. Following the service, friends and family will gather to celebrate his life at one of the local Athens restaurants. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6 until 9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Danielsville Florist is in charge of flowers. Donations can also be made in his name at any of the local animal shelters.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.