Grady Hester

Grady Cole Hester, 85, US Navy Veteran of Elizabethtown passed away on Thursday, February 3, 2022. He was preceded by his parents, Woodrow Costen Hester and Tiny Callihan Hester, one son Christopher Hester, four brothers, Woodrow Hester, Vance Hester, Bernard Hester, and Liston "Mack" Hester, an infant brother Levi Hester and one sister, Wilma Stubbs.

Grady leaves behind his loving wife, Mary Hargrove Hester of the home, three sons, Grady Hester of Elizabethtown, Ralph Hester of Elizabethtown, and Timothy Hester (Cornelia) of Kelly, four daughters, Gail Willis (Glenn) of Tobermory, Joy Hester, Shannon Hester, and Paulette Hester, of Elizabethtown, and 14 grandchildren.

Grady spent 22 years in the US Navy traveling around the globe from California to Charleston. He often shared his military stories as well as politics and religion with anyone that would listen. Grady never met a stranger. After traveling the world, He and his wife made their home in Bladen County. Grady enjoyed a cold glass of milk with a slice of pizza and working with computers.  He also enjoyed sitting on his front porch taking in the scenery especially while it was lightning. He was always taken by the Lord’s handy work. Grady was a loving husband, father, and grandfather that will dearly be missed.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 7, 2022 at 2 pm at Bladen Gaskins Funeral Home in Elizabethtown with Rev. Dale Hester. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.