Charles William Lester Jr.

LESTER, Charles William, Jr., 98, of Chesterfield, Virginia, departed his life peacefully at home among family and loved ones on February 6, 2022.

Charles is survived by his beloved wife of 76 years, Phyllis Moore Lester; and two daughters, Patricia L. Lee and Linda D. Lester, all of Chesterfield; his brother, Ray M. Lester Sr. of Richmond; sisters, Marie I. Diaz of Henrico and Joyce L. Perrin of Spotsylvania. He also survived by four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Charles W. Lester Sr. and Mattie E. Lester; his brother, Harold D. Lester; and sister, Lelia K. Shelnutt.

Charles was born in Richmond on May 5, 1923, a true Southsider. He was a graduate of John Marshall High School, 1940. He was a veteran of WWII, serving in the Navy as an Ordnance officer attached to the Air Force in England, directly contributing to the Allies' effort for the Normandy Landings, earning an honorable discharge in 1945.

Following his stint in the Navy, Charles started a 36-year career with the City of Richmond, ultimately serving as City Magistrate for over 20 years before retiring in 1982.

Charles was an avid outdoorsmen and hunter with an emphasis on deer and turkey hunting. He was a mentor to many young hunters, sharing his vast experience and love of the outdoors. He continued to hunt well into his twilight years and was recognized by the Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries for harvesting his limit of three turkeys at the young age of 90.

There will be a memorial/Celebration of Life at Bliley's - Chippenham Chapel on Tuesday, February 22 at 10 a.m. No flowers, please. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Kindred Hospice, 1602 Rolling Hills Drive, Suite 204, Henrico, Va. 23229, or the American Heart Association, 7217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, Va. 23060.