About
Samuel Hester Obituary
Sonny moved to Tampa in 1969 to play baseball for the University of Tampa. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science from UT and a Master of Science from Nova University. Sonny married Pixie Linton Hester in 1972 and started work at Jesuit High School as the baseball coach and PE teacher. During his 25 years at Jesuit, he was a baseball coach, football coach, tennis chaperone, assistant principal of discipline and athletic director. He was an assistant principal at Brandon High School for 2 years and the Associate Director at the FHSAA for 7 years.
Sonny was raised in the Jewish faith but in 1971 accepted Jesus as his Savior. He was a member of Bell Shoals Baptist Church where he taught children's bible fellowship, served as a camp counselor for children and youth camps, helped lead kids' worship, and participated in several mission trips, including recent trips to Peru. He touched the lives of many people, but he had a special heart for children. He enjoyed playing golf, cooking, traveling, and being with family and friends.
Sonny is survived by his wife of 49+ years, Pixie Hester; son Benjamin and his wife, Micah; grandchildren: Christopher (20), Heidi (13), Mollie (11); daughter, Sarah Hester; brother-in-law Ronnie Linton (Olivia); mother-in-law Anita Linton and several nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held at 11:00 AM with a Celebration of Life for Samuel "Sonny" Hester will be at 12:00PM Wednesday, May 18th at Bell Shoals Baptist Church, 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. Brandon, Fl. 33511.
In lieu of flowers the family would be honored that donations be made to Samaritan's Purse in memory of Samuel "Sonny" Hester. http://www.samaritanspurse.org
For those unable to join the service in person, or who would like to view at a later time, you may visit the Live Stream at: https://www.facebook.com/BellShoalsCare/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
JHS 97'
November 12, 2022
Rest in Peace Coach Hester. Tough but lenient. Wouldn't have graduated from Jesuit without you.
Sandy Karseras
May 28, 2022
Our family is blessed to have many fond memories of Sonny. From his years at Jesuit when my husband Nick was a colleague of his to our annual "12 Days of Christmas" get-togethers on Christmas evening at our home...which he, Pixie, Benjamin & Sarah always attended.
Our sincere condolences to Pixie, Benjamin, Sarah and all of his family. Sonny will always have a special place in our hearts.
Rest In Peace Sonny.
Sandy, Nick & Stacey Karseras
Deb Hevia-Collins
May 18, 2022
My most heartfelt sympathies and condolences to Pixie and the family.
Clay Welch
May 18, 2022
Sonny always made me feel like I was his special friend but I think he made everyone feel that way. He was loved and will be missed.
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Robbie Keesler
May 17, 2022
Godspeed Coach. You´re the best, most influential, member of our JHS community.
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