Billy Eugene Hester Sr.

Billy Eugene Hester, Sr., formerly of Gastonia, was reunited in heaven with his loving wife of 57 years, Shelby Jean, on September 1 ^st , 2022, with his loving daughter by his side.

Mr. Hester was born September 13 ^th , 1934, son to the late Willie O.B. Hester and Wordlee McClure Hester.

Mr. Hester attended Gastonia High School and worked as a Pattern Maker for many years at Stovall's Foundry and later Dixie Castings, where he served as Vice-President until he retired at the age of 77.  Billy will be remembered for his love for playing the steel guitar, which he did with expert precision and masterful grace.  Those lucky enough to have heard the melodic chords he produced were treated to a concert worthy of the stage at the Grand Ole Opry.  Billy will also be remembered for his kind and gentle nature and was usually equipped with a joke to start a conversation.

In addition to his parents and wife, Billy was preceded in death by his brothers, Lefty and Vernon, and sister, Dorothy.  Leaving behind a legacy of love among his family and friends, he is survived by his daughter, Teresa J. Hester of Belmont, son and daughter-in-law Billy E. & Cindy Hester, Jr. of Gastonia and Scotty L. Hester and fiancé Sonya York Mellone and Joseph Mellone of Charlotte, NC, four grandchildren, Ben Lunsford, Jr., Katlyn Hester, Alexander Hester, and Andrew White, and great-grandson Benjamin K. Lunsford.

A funeral service officiated by Pastor Johnny Yarboro, will be held 11am, Saturday, September 3, 2022, at the South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service - 1503 S. York Rd., Gastonia, NC 28052.

Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Burial will follow the service at Onley Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Gastonia.

Condolences may be made online at www.greenefuneral.com