Harry Eugene Rester

Harry Eugene "Gene" Rester, 84, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at his home. Visitation is July 15, 2023 9:00 to 11:00 a.m at Countrywoods Baptist Church in Byram, MS, with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m.

Gene was born November 9, 1938 to R.E. and Leona Rester, one of five children. He attended Central High School and Provine High School in Jackson, MS. After graduation from high school, he entered the school of X-ray Technology. While in X-ray School in Jackson, he met Carolyn Shepherd and they were married in October 1960 and celebrated 53 years of marriage in 2013.

He began his X-ray career at University Medical Center in Jackson, MS as a X-ray technologist then in 1970 he was instrumental in setting up the Cardiac Catheterization at the Mississippi Baptist Medical Center along with Dr. Dave Dear and Dr. Tom Kilgore. He remained there from 1970 to 2001. Over the years, Gene was also Minister of Music at various churches throughout central Mississippi.

In 1962, Gene was invited to sing as a backup singer at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. While on stage, he met Maybelle Carter, June Carter Cash's mother, and had the opportunity to play Maybelle's autoharp.

Gene is survived by his sisters, Frances Morse of Pasco, WA and Etta Hicks of Jackson, MS, sister-in-law Gloria Rester, sister-in-law Madge Fields of Columbus, MS, sister-in-law Gloria Bynum (Charles) of Hattiesburg, MS, sister-in-law Faye Coleman of Macon, MS, brother-in-law Kline Shepherd (Gail) of Louisville, MS, his children, Ron Rester (Stephanie) of Jackson, MS, and Von Irwin (David) of Raymond, MS, grandchildren Anna Irwin of Castro Valley, CA, Andrew Irwin of Laurel, MS, and Abbey Irwin of Wake Forest, NC. Also he is survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

Gene is preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Shepherd Rester, parents R.E and Leona Rester, brother James Rester, and sister Sue Webb. Also brother-in-laws Bo Shepherd, Brooks Shepherd, John Shepherd, sister-in-laws Lois McMullen, Opal McBrayer, Sally Henderson, Cherry Stripling.

In lieu of flowers, the family request monetary donation be made to the family for Mr. Rester's final expenses.