Benny Lee Hester

Benny Lee Hester was born March 8, 1936 and passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 11, 2014. Ben was born in and lived his entire life in Winston-Salem with the exception of 4 years during which he traveled the world while serving his country in United States Navy. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy Campbell Hester and his parents, Burton Odell and Margaret Livengood Hester. He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Linda Yates Hester; a sister, Vicki Welch; two daughters, Lora Hester Hicks, Selene (Kevin) Teague; a son, Ernest Lee Hester; a grandson, Zachary Hicks; and two granddaughters, Sarah and Rachel Hicks. Also surviving are a step-daughter, Terri (Danny) Brendle and step-granddaughters, Lauren Way and Lindsay Brendle. Ben retired as a manager in Research and Development with RJ Reynolds. During his employment with Reynolds he made many accomplishments in the electronics field and had several patents registered in his name. Ben was an outgoing laid back man who made many lasting friendships during his life through the Navy, work at Reynolds and his many varied interests and hobbies. Ben had a very eclectic myriad of interests including Ham radio, breeding and raising tropical fish, rebuilding British cars, sports car racing, designing and building all types of electronic and computer machinery to photography and travel. Ben dearly loved his family, friends and life in general. He lived his life to the fullest never missing a beat. Ben's family and friends will always remember fondly his warm and friendly good cheer. Many folks will remember him as a man who appreciated individuality, welcoming and jovial to everyone. One of his favorite responses when greeting good friends was ""I couldn't be better if I'd written the story myself!"" He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him, but all are at peace knowing that he is now with our Lord Jesus Christ and all his loved ones who have gone before him……until we see him again. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday at Bethania Moravian Church with Rev. Charles Fishel officiating. Inurnment will follow in the church graveyard. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Ben's memory to the Bethania Moravian Church Building Fund, 5545 Main Street, Bethania, N.C. or the Alzheimer's Association. The family would like to especially thank Trinity Elms at Tanglewood and the wonderful staff for their excellent and loving care that they provided Ben in the last four years of his life, Hospice and Palliative Care of Winston-Salem and all of our family and friends for their support and love throughout this very difficult time.

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