Jimmy Lester Sr.

Jimmy Lester, Sr., 65, of Roanoke, Va., formerly of Gary, W.Va., where he spent most of his life, went to be with the Lord on October 18, 2008 at his home. He was a retired coal miner and a very devoted father and grandfather, whose greatest joy in life was his family. Born May 16, 1943, in Wilcoe, W.Va., he was the son of the late Fred and Hazel Lester, and is survived by his stepmother, Mae Lester of Gary. He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Sandra Ann Lester and his daughter, Sherry Ann Lester. Besides his wife and daughter, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Linda Gail Rohmlow and Jean Finley and his brothers, Bert Lester and Roger Lester. He is survived by his three sons, James H. Lester, Jr. and wife, Lisa, of Roanoke, Eddie D. Lester and wife, Lynn, of Gary, W.Va., and Cory Jason Lester and wife, Chrissy, of Roanoke. Besides his sons, left to cherish his memories are his sisters, Christine Craft and husband, Danny, Annetta "Tweety" Blankenship and husband, Petey and Frances Finley, all of Gary, W.Va., and Margaret Likens and husband, Larry, of Missouri; as well as his brother, David Fredrick Lester and wife, Janet, of Roanoke. He will be sadly missed most of all by his ten grandchildren Greg, Brittany, Cody, Bryana, Karli, Ryan, Tyler, Kayla, Cole, and Chloe. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at Fanning Funeral Home in Welch, W.Va., with the Rev. Richard Sturgill officiating. Graveside services will follow at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, Va. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, October 20, 2008 at Oakey's South Chapel, 540-989-3131.