Vaughn Kermit Lester

1949 - 2023

VAUGHN KERMIT LESTER, age 74, of Bristol, VA, passed away in a Bristol, TN hospital on March 4, 2023 after a lengthy illness. Born February 1,1949, in Buchanan County, he was the son of the late Burb Lester and Spicy Keen Lester.
Vaughn was a long-time member of the Claypool Hill Church of Christ where he had served as a Sunday school teacher, Deacon and Elder. He dearly loved his church family. He retired as a college professor. Though hewas highly educated, he was the most down to earth person that you would everwant to meet. He graduated from Southwest Virginia Community College, Pikeville College, East Tennessee State University and the Citadel in Charleston, SC. There were a few projects he was especially proud to be a part of: Building of the Claypool Hill Church of Christ and the Russell County Public Library inLebanon, VA. He loved the work he did with the Governors School children in Virginia. That's just a sampling. In the eyes of his family, he could do anything that needed done. If it could be taken apart, it could be put back together again. This fine man took a break from education to dedicate four years to our country in the military. He served proudly and honorably as a medic in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1971-1975. Husband, Dad, Papaw, Friend, Brother and Christian, you can take your well-deserved rest now.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Jerry Lester and Kenneth Lester; and one sister, Geneva Matney.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Bernie Sue Hensley Lester of Bristol, VA; one son, Bradley Vaughn Lester of Reston, VA; one daughter, Tawnya Hope (Mike) Ruggieri of Bristol, TN; three grandchildren, Madeline Valentine Ruggieri, Michael Vaughn Ruggieri, Maxwell Thomas Ruggieri, all of Bristol, TN; two brothers, Jennings (Barbara) Lester of Sevierville, TN, and Otis Lester of Cedar Bluff, VA. Several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends also survive.
Services were held Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 6 p.m. in the Singleton Funeral Service Chapel with Evangelist Bob Smith officiating. Visitation was at 5 p.m. until time of service. Burial was Friday, March, 10, 2023 at the Lester Cemetery in Buchanan County, VA.
Family and Friends served as pallbearers.
Military honors were conducted by Casey Short VFW Post 9640.
Service was on Facebook Live.
Condolences may be sent to www.singleton@singletonfuneralservice.com
The family of Vaughn Lester is under the care of Singleton Funeral Service, Cedar Bluff, VA.