Thomas E. McLester

Thomas E. McLester CAMDEN - Thomas E. "Daddy Mac" McLester peacefully departed this earthly life on Tuesday, May 1, 2012, in Kershaw Health Medical Center to join our Heavenly Father and rest in His eternal home. "Daddy Mac," as he was affectionately called, was born in Bethune, SC, December 22, 1911. He was a son of the late Thomas M. and Elise M. McLester. He was predeceased by a brother, Harold McLester. After teaching for 36 years in Kershaw County, he retired in 1976. At an early age, he was baptized and entered into a lifetime affiliation with Trinity United Methodist Church, now Camden First United Methodist Church. "Daddy Mac" was honored by the United Methodist Men and was named "The Father of the Church." A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 5th, at Camden First United Methodist Church, 704 W. DeKalb Street, Camden, SC, with burial in Hyco Baptist Church cemetery. A Ceremony of Masonic Rites will be held on Friday at 7:00 p.m. at Camden First United Methodist Church. Left to cherish loving memories and celebrate his life are: his devoted wife of 47 years, Amy Johnson McLester; daughter, Lynette Tillery (Dr. Winifred); sons, Thomas Eric "Tommy" and Lemuel R. "Ronnie" McLester; grandson, Thomas R. "Randy" Tillery; granddaughters,Lleweyn and Llarlyn Tillery, Amee, Amber, Kaylee and Grace McLester; and a host of wonderful former students, family and friends. The family wishes to extend special thanks to Dr. Gordon Pennebaker and the Sentinel Health Partners, the staff of Springdale Nursing Facility for the excellent care and dedicated service shown to "Daddy Mac" during his brief stay in health care. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Thomas E. McLester Scholarship Fund, Camden First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 606 - Camden, SC 29021. Collins Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.