Lester Earl Woolbright

Lester Earl Woolbright Sr. was born June 1, 1930, in Dallas, Texas. He passed away October 31, 2024, in Rockwall, Texas. Lester was preceded in death by his wife Nelda K. Woolbright of 57 years; his mother, Inez Woolbright; father, Cecil Woolbright, Sr.; brothers, Cecil Woolbright Jr., James William Woolbright, Charles Woolbright and his sisters, Margie Rushton, Katherine Furrow and Frances Parker. He is survived by his sister Linda Jackson. Lester and Nelda have three children: Debra K. Brown, Nelda D. Lovelady and Lester E. Woolbright Jr, as well as Six Grandchildren and 4 Great Grandchildren.

Lester was a U. S. Navy Combat Veteran. He enlisted in 1947 at the age of 17. He served aboard the USS Mount McKinley as a Landing Craft Operator. He participated in Operation Sandstone and was subjected to three A-Bomb Tests in 1948, receiving fallout after each. Lester landed four scientists on one of the islands after one of these tests to transport radioactive materials back to the Mount McKinley. He honorably discharged in 1950 as an Active Reserve but was quickly returned to active duty for the Korean War aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard Aircraft Carrier. He spent months under combat conditions as a quad-forty gunner and radar technician. Upon his second honorable discharge in 1954, he began his 32-year career with the United States Postal Service as a Letter Carrier in Mesquite, Texas. He was known throughout the community and respected by everyone. Lester was a devoted Husband, Father and Papaw that loved Jesus.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 4, 2024, at Grove Hill Funeral Home-Chapel with a Military burial following at Grove Hill Memorial Park.