Johnnie Hester

"His lord said to him.  “Well done my good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things,  I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord”. Matthew 25:21
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Johnnie Lavelle Hester, age 84, met his Savior face to face on Friday, March 17, 2023, in his home surrounded by those who loved him the most. Johnnie lived his as a constant reflection of his walk with Jesus, and did all thing to His glory. To know, to be loved by or to have loved Johnnie was a true gift and a glimpse of the love of Jesus. He was truly a light in the dark world. His smile was contagious, and just his presence made you want to be more. “Your faithfulness endures to all generations…” Psalm 119:90
Johnnie Lavelle Hester was born on March 20, 1938 in Grayson, LA to Samuel and Thelma Hester. Johnnie grew up loving baseball and pitching through high school. Upon graduating from Grayson High School, in 1958 he enlisted in the Army, and was honorably discharged in 1964. Johnnie went to work for LP&L in 1966 and retired after 30+ years of service. 
He is preceded in death by his loving wife Genny, his parents, Samuel Nathan Hester and Thelma Parker Hester, his brothers Ellis Hester and Nathan Hester and his stepson Troy Collins. 

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Tammy and Roy Wise, stepdaughters and son-in-laws, DeAn and Paul West and Cherylan and Beau Chappell. His grandchildren, Chad and Natalie Wise, Emily and Chris Tucker, Morgan and Aaron Aitken, Molly and Casey Taylor, Sarah and Tim Joost, and Matthew Chappell. Great-grandchildren, Collier and Caroline Wise, Elliot and Lillian Tucker, Brody Aitken, Meadow Taylor and Lily Collins. He is also survived by his sister Carolyn Hendrix (Arnold) and a brother Bobby Hester.

Visitation will be held at Cross Roads Baptist Church, Monday, March 20, 2023 from 5:00 – 8:00. Services will be at Cross Roads Baptist Church, Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 2:00 with burial immediately following the service. Pallbearers are Chris Tucker, Justin Richardson, Matthew Chappell, Aaron Aitken, Casey Taylor and Brandon Dunn. Honorary pallbearers are Brad McNeely and Parker McNeely. 

The family has requested in lieu of flowers please make donations to Cross Roads Baptist Church in his honor. 

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of inheritance, for your serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24.