Alfred Cade "Al" Lester

Alfred Cade "Al" Lester, 79, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026. Born December 30, 1946, in Canandaigua, New York, Al had been a resident of the Athens area since childhood, except for 10 years living in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He was the son of the late Raymond and Barbara Elder Lester, and a 1965 graduate of Athens High School.

Al retired from the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, where he worked in information technology as a computer programmer. His steady, thoughtful approach and quiet dedication were evident throughout his years of service.

A man of wide-ranging interests and careful attention to the world around him, Al was a private pilot and a weather enthusiast, and he enjoyed traveling and trains. He also valued connection and communication as a HAM Radio Operator with the Athens Radio Club.

Al is survived by his wife of 38 years, Linda Marie Lester; stepson, Keith Crockford (Rhonda) and stepdaughter, Valerie Crockford, all of Bogart; and brother, David Lester (Jane) of Cumming.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Andrea Lester.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Bernstein Funeral Home, 3195 Atlanta Highway, Athens. A Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 p.m., in the Bernstein Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Dave Smith officiating. Inurnment will be in Evergreen Memorial Park, 3655 Atlanta Highway, Athens.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.