Wannie "Les" Lester

Gastonia, NC - Wannie "Les" Lester, 78, of Gastonia, passed away April 14, 2014 at the Robin Johnsen House in Dallas. He was born January 15, 1936 in Dutton, AL., son of the late Jessie and Hazel Lester. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. Les was a member of Hardin Community Baptist Church. He dedicated his life in service to his country by serving as a Seabee in the US Navy and Department of State, Diplomatic Corp. Les is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Doris Bumgarner Lester; son, David Wayne Lester Casteel of Raleigh; daughter, Teleena Stadther and husband, Lee of Gastonia; brother, Charles Lee Lester and wife, Linda of Alabama; sisters, Margaret Lester Stinson of Alabama, Karen Lester Rowell and husband, Larry of Florida; grandchildren, Derek and Dillon Stadther and several nieces and nephews. The family wishes to extend special thanks to his good friend and caretaker, Jake Rhyne. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, J.W. Lester; sister, Leome Revel and special, loving godmother, Irma Anderson Aycock. A celebration of life service will be held 4 pm on Saturday at Hardin Community Baptist Church, 548 Hardin Rd., Dallas, NC, officiated by Pastor Clay Ledford. Visitation will be held 6 - 8 pm on Thursday at Greene Funeral Service - South Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Hardin Community Baptist Church, Building Fund - 548 Hardin Rd., Dallas, NC 28034 or Gaston Hospice PO Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 28054. Arrangements are with the South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service and Crematorium, Gastonia.