Rev. Jack Anthony Hester

Surrounded by family, Rev. Jack Anthony Hester, 69 of Richland and lovingly known as “Da”, passed peacefully from this life to join his Heavenly father on Thursday, April 4, 2024.

Jack was born October 17, 1954, in Sayre, AL to JM and Julia Faye Hester. Growing up he attended Corner High school where he earned his nickname “Gyp”. Jack enjoyed playing baseball, basketball, and football.

In 1973, he wed his childhood sweetheart, Deborah Ellis Hester (Bren) and the two would share a 51 year union. They raised daughter, Amy and son, Mark.

Jack worked many years for Great Dane Trailers, which landed him in Mississippi. He enjoyed coaching his son in little league baseball and football. However, his most prestigious accomplishment was sharing God’s word throughout his life. Jack ministered and prayed to and for a countless number of people. His servant’s heart overflowed with love.

All who knew him, knew he loved the Lord and his family, with every fiber of his being. Due to illness, Jack retired from the ministry but continued to spend countless hours reading his Bible and praying for many.

Jack enjoyed fishing with his son, grandsons, sister Julie, and anyone else that wanted to hop in his boat. He loved cooking anything and everything for his family, but if you ask, their favorite was his homemade mac & cheese. He was happiest when they were gathered around his table, watching them eat.

Jack would live out his days loving on his grands and great grands. Whether it was watching a western, playing in Madden’s tent, casting a line, or talking about Jesus, Da loved doing what he did best, being Da.

Da gave us a wonderful world and made his family proud. He fought the good fight and he won. So, as they say in one of his favorite westerns, “Ride Boley Ride”. Because of God’s love, grace, and mercy we will see you again. Good job faithful servant, it’s not good-bye- it’s see you later.

Rev. Jack is preceded in death by his parents, J.M. and Julia Hester; grandsons, Grayson Mark, and Graham Anthony Hester; sister, Jennifer Kaye Olive; nephew, Sean Hester; and niece, Whitney Olive. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Ellis Hester; daughter, Amy Dedmon (Keith) of Florence; son, Mark Hester (Heather) of Florence; grandchildren, Jakob Adams (Janie) of Florence, Alec Adams of Florence, Emily Adams (Everette Patterson) of Florence, and Fisher Hester (Maddie Grace Walters) of Florence; great grandchildren, Brooklyn Adams, Greyson Pickell, Jillian Kate Adams, and Madden Adams; sister, Julie Florence (Hugh) of Hayden, AL; brother, Joseph Hester (Kim) of Sumiton, AL; brother-in-law, Dennis Olive of Warrior, AL; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Don and Jean Ellis of Sumiton, AL; brother-in-law, Phillip Ellis of Dora, AL and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Special thanks to Gentiva Hospice nurse Brittany Hines and nurse Ashlee McCullough- lovingly known as “The Big Dog” by Jack.

Pallbearers: Danny Tucker, Jakob Adams, Alec Adams, Fisher Hester, Everette Patterson, Ivan Windham, Joey Turner, and Matt Florence. Honorary pallbearers: Zac Florence, Brennan Ellis, Garrett Ellis, Jason Harrison, Thomas Sullivan, Chris Hester, Noah Hester, Tyler Hester, and Clint Poorboy.