Lester Ray Poore

Mr. Lester Ray Poore, 99, of Mount Airy, passed away Thursday morning, February 5, 2026, at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson. Mr. Poore was born August 20, 1926, in Surry County, the son of the late Lacy L. and Lela White Poore. Lester proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II. He retired from Centel Telephone Company after more than 40 years of faithful and dedicated service. Lester was a longtime member of Franklin Heights United Methodist Church and Granite Masonic Lodge #322 AF and AM. He is survived by his daughters, Gina Poore (Brent Stanley) and Trudy Willard (Mickey); his son, David Poore (Susan); his grandchildren, E.J. Poore (Tiffany), Lindsey Knight, Zachary Willard (Eva), Jordon Willard (Veronica), and Andrew Willard (Hannah); his stepgrandchildren, Jonathan Simmons (Jennifer) and Breanne Holt (Travis); his great-grandchildren, Addison Poore, Aiden Poore, Tegan Poore, Emma Grace Davis, Barrett Ray Knight, Abi Willard, Ella Willard, Creed Willard, Brodey Willard, Karis Willard, Josiah Willard, Judah Willard, and Samuel Willard; his great-stepgrandchildren, Jake Simmons, Catalina Willard, Camilla Willard, and Andres Ocampo; his sister, Ruth Simmons; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Poore was preceded in death by his wife, Willie Mae Edwards Poore; and his brothers, Joseph “Joe” Poore and James Poore. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Airy, with the Rev. Doug Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the VFW Memorial Honor Guard. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 10:00 until 11:00 AM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home, 945 Zephyr Road, Dobson, NC 27017. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.