Teddy Willis Lester, age 60, of Abingdon, Va. and formerly of Buchanan County, Va., passed away on Thursday, November 3, 2016, following a brief illness. Teddy retired from Jewell Smokeless Coal Corp. after 34 years of employment. He was a family man who enjoyed fishing, NASCAR, NHRA, fixing things, tinkering, and spending time with friends. He had a true servant’s heart and was always there to help his friends and neighbors when needed. Teddy gave his heart to the Lord and is reunited with his loved ones in heaven.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charlie Lester; mother, Susie Arwood Lester Street; half-sister, Thelma Hess; and half-brother, John Burke “J.B.” Arwood.
Survivors include his wife, Kathy Ball Lester; daughter, Heather Lester of Johnson City, Tenn.; two sisters, Connie (Eugene) Ratliff of Oakwood, Va. and Judy (Robert) Hagy of Abingdon, Va.; two brothers, Thomas (Theresa) Lester of Lebanon, Va. and Dwight (Maretta) Lester of Vansant, Va.; also surviving are five half-sisters: Dorothy Key of Nokomis, Fla.; Alice (Ervin) Brown of Lebanon, Va.; Myrtle Lester of Grundy, Va.; Sylvia Hess of Honaker, Va.; and Edith Owens of Vansant, Va.; special sister-in-law, Mary Lou Ball; special brother-in-law, Darrell (Gwen) Ball; as well as numerous nieces, nephews; and cousins; and a host of good friends and former co-workers.
A funeral ceremony will be held at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, November 5, 2016, at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, Va. 24210, with Rev. Roger Null officiating. A private committal service will follow at a later date.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. William Handy; nurse, Rose Dicks of Home Nursing Co., Inc.; nurse, Danielle Yates, of Bristol Regional Medical Center; and nurse, Mary Jessee, of Bristol Regional Medical Center Infusion Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the animal shelter of your choice or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 246, Abingdon, Va. 24212, in memory of Teddy.
Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guestbook. The family of Teddy Willis Lester is being cared for by Farris Cremation and Funeral Center, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, Va. 24210 (276-623-2700).