H. Russell Lester Jr.

06/03/1929 - 02/11/2020

Obituary For H. Russell Lester Jr.

H. Russell Lester Jr., 90, passed away on February 11, 2020 at his residence in West Point, Georgia.

Russell was born on June 3, 1929, in Rome Georgia to the late H. Russell and Gladys Lester. Russell graduated from “Boys High School” in Rome Georgia and then earned his BS degree in Textile Engineering from Georgia Tech where he was also a member of ROTC. Russell served as a 1st Lieutenant in the “1st Cavalry Division” located at Fort Bliss in El Paso Texas. He was also a combat veteran in the “Korean War”

After finishing his tour of duty in the military, Russell began a career in Textiles that lasted 46 years. He retired from West Point Pepperell as Senior Vice President of the International Division. He then started a second textile career forming “Lester Textile Consulting” and proceeded to build denim plants all over the world. Several of his major projects were in Turkey, Mexico, and Italy. He also worked extensively in South America, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand and the Far East. Russell was a longtime member of West Point First United Methodist Church in West Point Georgia. He also served for many years as a board member of First National Bank of New Braunfels, Texas. He also served on the “Historical Society of West Point” and was a member of the Rotary Club. Russell was a car enthusiast and restorer and was a very active member of the “Model A Club” in Columbus Georgia. He also loved woodworking and building fine furniture. He built and repaired clocks and was an avid golfer. He loved to travel, especially to Turkey and Switzerland. He was known to be able to repair anything mechanical and would always help friends and neighbors.

Russell is survived by his wife of 69 years Mary Anne Carnes Lester ; son H. Russell Lester III; daughter Mary Kathryn(Bryden) Chirnside; sister Lou Craig. Grandchildren Mary Beth Crowley, Jamey Lester, Ashley Ely, Katie Zavolas, Emma Deloach; great grandchildren Timothy Crowley Jr., Zachery, Chloe and Miles Ely, Savannah and Raegan Deloach and Stasya Zavolas.

Services will be held at West Point United Methodist Church, West Point Georgia on Sunday February 16,2020 at 2:00 pm EST. The family will receive friends for Visitation after the service in Zachary Hall of West Point United Methodist Church. Graveside will be a private family service.

In lieu of flowers the family would request donations be made to West Point First United Methodist Church or Chattahoochee Hospice, Valley AL.

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