Lester is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mildred Cox Brady; four children, Tim Brady of Elgin, Anne Blake of Camden, Donna Kneller and husband Gary of Atlanta, Ga., and Mark Brady and wife Leslie of Lakeland, Fla.; four grandchildren, Leslie Campbell and husband Jonathan of Columbia, Ryan Oliveria and wife Victoria of San Francisco, Ca., Nicholas Blake and wife Meredith of Camden, and Grayson Blake of Charlotte, NC.
He was born March 18, 1931 and raised near Bennett, NC. He grew up on a farm and came from humble beginnings. Lester graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Elon University and with a Master of Divinity degree from The Divinity School of Duke University. He received an additional Master’s degree in counseling from Long Island University.
Lester was drafted into the U.S. Army in January 1953 and served 18 months in the Korean War. He enrolled into the U.S. Army Chaplain’s School and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army Chaplain’s Service, where he served for 20 years. His service included assignments in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, Germany, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, New York, and a second tour in Korea.
Lester was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was absolutely devoted to his wife, Mildred. He was a man of faith and his presence will continue to be felt through everyone he touched.
He enjoyed many activities including flying his Cessna airplane, working out, gardening, bird watching, following the Atlanta Braves, building and working on computers and taking care of his beach house in North Myrtle Beach.
While in the U.S. Army, Lester was awarded the National Defense Service Medal (one Oak Leaf Cluster), United Nations Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation ( two Oak Leaf Clusters), Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, and Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 14, 2018 in Anderson Street Chapel, 2335 Anderson Street, Fort Jackson, SC 29207. Civilian access is available at the gate.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Lung Association.
Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
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