Dennis Lester

September 27, 1948 – January 29, 2026

Dennis Lester, lovingly known throughout the community as "Coach Lester," passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026, leaving behind a legacy defined by faith, service, and a deep commitment to the lives of others.

Born on September 27, 1948, in Louisburg, North Carolina, Dennis moved with his family to Butner in 1949, where he would grow up and eventually build a life rooted in education, athletics, and community. He graduated from South Granville High School in 1966 and went on to earn a degree in Health and Physical Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1970.

On August 15, 1970, Dennis married the love of his life, Rayna Willis. The couple began their journey together in Broadway, North Carolina, where Dennis taught at Broadway High School and later served as Athletic Director for the Lee County Recreation Department. During their time in Lee County, he also taught sixth-grade Science and Physical Education at Greenwood School, while Rayna taught English at Broadway High. Their first child, daughter Cecily, was born in Sanford in 1974.

Later in 1974, the family returned to Granville County, settling first in Butner before making their home in Creedmoor in 1976. That same year, their son, Neal, was born. Dennis continued his calling in education with Granville County Schools, teaching Physical Education at Creedmoor Elementary and Hawley Middle School before beginning his long and impactful career at South Granville High School.

Dennis began coaching at South Granville in 1978 and joined the teaching staff in 1980. Over the years, he taught Physical Education and Driver's Education, and coached football, basketball, and especially baseball-his favorite sport. While he retired from coaching in 1994, he continued teaching until his retirement from the classroom in 1999.

To generations of students and athletes, Dennis was far more than a teacher and a coach. He was a steady presence, a patient mentor, a source of encouragement, and often a well-timed jokester who could lighten a room. Though baseball was his passion, people were always his greatest calling. He had a gift for seeing potential in others, showing up when it mattered, and making those around him feel valued and known.

Outside the classroom and the ballfield, Dennis found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. He loved tending his garden, spending quiet mornings fishing, and faithfully cheering on his beloved Tar Heels. He and Rayna also treasured their time at their second home in Oak Island, North Carolina, where many family memories were made by the coast.

A devoted man of faith, Dennis was an active and longtime member of First Baptist Church of Butner, where he served as a deacon, taught Sunday school, and sang in the church choir. His faith guided his life, his work, and the way he treated everyone he met.

Dennis was preceded in death by his beloved wife of more than 50 years, Rayna Willis Lester, and by his parents, Melvin O. Lester and Lottie Mae Lester.

He is survived by his daughter, Cecily McDowell of Creedmoor, North Carolina; his son, Neal Lester (Robyn) of Wake Forest, North Carolina; his cherished grandchildren, Ainsley McDowell, Aiken McDowell, Amelia Lester, and Taylor Lester; his sister, Shelia Goss of Hillsborough, North Carolina; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

While his family and community will miss him deeply, they take comfort in knowing that the countless lives he touched will continue to carry his influence forward-and in the hope that he is now joyfully reunited with his beloved Rayna.

A service to celebrate the life of Coach Lester will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the First Baptist Church of Butner, 200 W. D Street, Butner, NC. Visitation with the family will begin 1:30 pm in the in the Family Life Center, followed by a brief service at 3:00 pm.