Ray Douglas Lester

Posted on: 03, 11, 2020
By : David Brooks
Categories : Past Obituaries
Comments : 4

Mr. Ray Douglas Lester age 77 of the Norene Community passed away March 10, 2020. A native of Wilson County, he was the son of the late Henry Douglas Lester and Florence Neville Lester. He was a 1961 graduate of Watertown High School and received his BS from Middle Tennessee State University. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and retired from AVCO/Textron. He was a faithful member of Salem Church of Christ where he had served as an elder, Sunday school teacher and song leader.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Jane Baird Lester; two children: Lorie (Jason) Franklin, Eric Douglas (Christina) Lester; five grandchildren: Alexander Jace “A.J.” Franklin, Baylor Ray Franklin, Anna Elizabeth Lester, Bryant Douglas Lester, Bennett Nicholas Lester.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 14, 2020, at 1 p.m. from the Ligon & Bobo Funeral Home with Joey Barkley officiating. Interment – Roselawn Memorial Park. Honorary Pallbearers: Men of Salem Church of Christ, Larry and Lloyd Baird, Dillard Rodgers, Lynn Russell, Anthony Maxwell, Howard Thompson. Active Pallbearers: A.J. Franklin, Baylor Franklin, Bryant Lester, Bennett Lester, Jason Franklin, Jerry Dunn.

Visitation Saturday 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. at Ligon & Bobo Funeral Home.

LIGON & BOBO FUNERAL HOME, in charge of arrangements.

Messages for the Family

Hiram W. Lester, Sr. says:

March 11, 2020 at 10:05 pm

Sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Although I didn’t know him, there is a possibility that we may be related. My ancestors (William Lester) moved from VA to Wilson County around 1810, and settled in the Cainsville-Norene area. Two of my great-uncles (Presley and Joshua) were Baptist preachers, the latter being the first pastor of the Smith Fork Baptist Church. I’ve always been interested in my family history, and would like to learn more about Ray and his family. Please feel free to contact me if (and when) would like to exchange information about the Lester family history. Thanks!
Judy Riley says:

March 12, 2020 at 12:13 am

So very sorry to hear about your Dad. Love and prayers for you and your family. Judy and Dave Riley.
Bill Cooper says:

March 12, 2020 at 5:49 pm

Ray was a good friend and brother in Christ. He came by the house at Lascassas & sold me Amzoil for several years. I saw him and family at Salem church for 5th Sunday singings, he invited me to preach several times over the years, and in recent years we met at the cafe, talking about children and grandchildren, church activities, and work. At his request was able to suggest a few men to preach there. Always had high regard for Ray.
Marlane McClanahan says:

March 14, 2020 at 4:32 pm

Lorie so sorry to hear of the passing of father. I’m praying for your peace and comfort.

Hiram W. Lester, Sr. says:

March 11, 2020 at 10:05 pm

Sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Although I didn’t know him, there is a possibility that we may be related. My ancestors (William Lester) moved from VA to Wilson County around 1810, and settled in the Cainsville-Norene area. Two of my great-uncles (Presley and Joshua) were Baptist preachers, the latter being the first pastor of the Smith Fork Baptist Church. I’ve always been interested in my family history, and would like to learn more about Ray and his family. Please feel free to contact me if (and when) would like to exchange information about the Lester family history. Thanks!

Judy Riley says:

March 12, 2020 at 12:13 am

So very sorry to hear about your Dad. Love and prayers for you and your family. Judy and Dave Riley.

Bill Cooper says:

March 12, 2020 at 5:49 pm

Ray was a good friend and brother in Christ. He came by the house at Lascassas & sold me Amzoil for several years. I saw him and family at Salem church for 5th Sunday singings, he invited me to preach several times over the years, and in recent years we met at the cafe, talking about children and grandchildren, church activities, and work. At his request was able to suggest a few men to preach there. Always had high regard for Ray.