Timothy Jay Hester
Timothy Jay Hester, 54, of Oneonta passed away at home from a heart attack Sept. 26.
He was a 1981 graduate of Russellville High School. He received an associate’s degree from Muscle Shoals Technical College. He was a retired welder and avid bass fisherman and claimed his main job was “chaplain support” as he sent his wife off to make a difference each day as a hospital chaplain.
Tim had his own ministry of encouragement on Facebook. Tim was a member of First Baptist Church Oneonta, where he sang in the adult choir and taught children’s bible drill.
Tim was a man who cared deeply for his family. He helped coach his kids’ ball teams in Russellville when they were younger. Tim had a ready smile and a kind word for all he met. Those who were blessed to know him are richer for it.
Timothy was preceded in death by his father, James Curtis Hester. He is survived by his wife, Sara Gibbons Hester of Oneonta; his mother, Peggy Mitchell Hester of Russellville; his children, Ramsey and wife Christy Hester of Savanah, Ga., and Samantha and husband Andy Peden Hester of Red Bay; his grandchildren, Raylee Peden and Sofia Cali; aunts and uncles, Joyce and Gerald King and Darlene Hester, all of Russellville; and many nephews, cousins and friends.
The funeral was Sept. 29. The Rev. Larry Gipson officiated. Pallbearers were Don Hester; Jerry, Joel and Joey King; Adam, Eric and Evan NeSmith; and John Gibbons. Honorary pallbearers were Cade and Colt NeSmith, Michael and Joshua King and Ricke, Jed and Randy Hester. He was interred at Oak Hill Cemetery in Oneonta.
