Thomas Sanford Lester

Dr. Thomas Sanford Lester, age 66, passed away on June 3, 2014. Native of Jackson, MS, he graduated from Murrah High School and went on to further his education at Mississippi State University. After receiving his degree in Animal Science, he attended the college of veterinary medicine at Auburn University. In 1976, Tom and his wife, Joy, opened Reservoir Animal Hospital in Ridgeland, MS and practiced for 38 years. During that time, he also had the privilege of taking care of the Jackson Zoo animals for 12 years. Tom was a lifetime member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. A beloved and dedicated veterinarian, he was a member of Christ United Methodist Church. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening, farming, building, hunting and fishing, and spending time with his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Horace Baxter Lester, Sr. and his mother, Dora Sanford Lester of Jackson, MS.

He is survived by his wife, Joy Bevill Lester, his son and daughter-in-law, Reid and Lauren Lester and grandchildren, Drake, Landry, and Carson Lester, of Ridgeland, MS; his daughter and son-in-law, Allison and Russell Cauthen and grandchildren, Sherrod and Carlisle Cauthen, of Cleveland, MS; and his brother and sister-in-law, Horace, Jr. and Glenda Lester of Madison, MS.

Visitation will be held at Christ United Methodist Church in Jackson on Wednesday, June 4th from 5:00 – 8:00 and Thursday, June 5th from 3:00 – 4:00, with the funeral service immediately following. The burial will follow the service at Parkway Memorial Cemetery in Ridgeland, MS.

Memorials may be made to the Christ United Methodist Church choir and to Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland, MS.