Pop was one of the smartest men that I have ever met. He had the ability to look at a problem and then come up with a solution that was completely out of the box. He had such an imagination, and the way his brain worked was different than anyone else. He was a perfectionist to a fault, which is why it always took him so long to get things done. He knew everything about nature and all things science. He taught me from a young age the value of knowledge and the joy of sharing it with others, which is why I became a teacher. He used to tell me that he went to school to be a teacher but he never taught a day in his life. I would like to challenge that statement because there wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t teach me something new. He was the ultimate teacher and I will continue to share his knowledge, stories, and legacy with anyone who will listen. Just ask my students, they love a good Pop Pop story.

          If there is anything that my Pop would want for us all to remember, it would be the importance of having a relationship with Jesus- “There is nothing more important, baby!” He would also want us to all remember to be kind to one another and to treat each other the way that Jesus would- “Remember the Golden Rule and Just heap those burning coals, baby!” And finally, he would want you to remember, “Just keep smiling! It doesn’t cost you anything to be nice so just keep smiling!”

Poppy was an amazing human being!
 He treated me like another daughter and I was so honored. Growing up without a dad was hard for me and I loved watching the relationship he had with Laura  and seeing just  how wonderful that kind of a relationship could be. 
He taught me how to run a tiller and plant beans and tomatoes.  I felt like I was special to get his secret formula of the exact mix to make the tomatoes grow big and produce like crazy. 
He would stop out front in his little red truck any time he drove past my house while I was in the yard working just to say hi and check on me. He had a way of making  you feel important and loved. I hope he knew he had that gift. 
He touched my life and I know he touched so many others too.  I was blessed to know him and I will never forget the impact he had on my life. 
Rest easy Poppy. I will see you again in heaven!

I met Willis when Laura and I were freshman in nursing school at Southern Missionary College in 1981.  My daughter, Lindsey was ten months old, and use to call Willis, Grandpa Hester...

Willis was one of the most uplifting, happiest people with a positive attitude I have ever met.  He infectious smile radiated from ear to ear and he would do anything for you.  His knowledge of flowers, plants, and gardening amazed me as Laura has the same love of working in the dirt and making her yard beautiful.

Marshall and I have been blessed to continue our friendship over the years as Laura and Burt moved beside us "on the mountain".  Willis thoroughly enjoyed life and whatever it brought.  Truly the saying to "know Willis was to love him".  Memories of Willis and our times together will be cherished forever.

Love, 
Sally and Marshall

My dad- to know  him was to love him. 
I got my dad a T shirt for Father’s Day one year that said Pop- the Man the Myth the Legend. 
All words that were so very true. He never met a stranger. He wanted to know you and know about you because he cared and was interested in you. He instilled in me at an early age that you could do anything you wanted you just had to work hard and not give up because he would never give up on you! I swear he knew something about everything! It’s was amazing. 
He loved my mom and his family and was so proud of them all. He was always ready to listen and help with life’s challenges. His words of wisdom were always good advice. He believed almost any problem could be solved with faith in God and showing forth love. 
He was the best dad a little girl could have. When he gained 2 grand daughters he showered them with the same love and patience he gave me. When Wilder came along he said I’ve waited 53 years for a boy- and I watched him pour that amazing love out on him. 
He was my constant, my rock . I will miss him greatly.

Pop was the best grandfather a girl could ask for. He loved all of his girls and made sure we knew how special we were. He was a mentor, a mediator, chauffeur, my biggest supporter and the best story teller. Pop never missed my sports games, practice or tournaments. He indulged all of my attempts at playing a musical instrument and took me to all of my voice lessons. I will treasure our morning talks on the way to school forever, there was never a topic he wasn’t willing to discuss and always  encouraged me to seek knowledge and to keep God 1st in my life. Watching him become a great grandfather and seeing the way he loved and cherished Wilder was so special, my two favorite Gemini boys.  There is so much more I could say about Pop and all the wonderful memories we share but I’ll keep it short. We will miss you forever Pop, thank you for giving us a wonderful life and being the man we could always depend on and setting an example for Wilder. 
All my love, Emily 💜

One of the best Hester boys.  Will miss all his colorful stories. He really enjoyed fishing with his brother John Morgan and nephew Gary!!

Uncle Willis was a wonderful and godly man! I will always remember his stories of growing up on the farm in Woodland. He also had good memories of his time at Berry College. He was very proud of Laura and his grandchildren! He always had a smile on his face and a song in his heart! A true Christian!

Sincere condolences to his family! Willis was a great guy—kind and a good sense of humor. We were blessed to know him!

Willis married my best friend, Hazel Hogue, in 1960.  Walter and I were good friends with the Hesters for many years. Walter and Willis enjoyed gardening together, making home made ice cream, playing music and singing.  Our children grew up together as best friends. 
Hazel and Walter have both passed away. What a glorious day it will be when we can all be together again in Heaven.

Such a gift to have both Hazel and Willis as neighbors for many years.  They are both remembered fondly and with smiles.

Mr. Willis, as called by his neighbors on Mountain Brook Dr, was a wonderful neighbor. He and Hazel lived across the street from me and my family since 2002.  We enjoyed his advice about gardening and having him attend our July 4th fireworks in the neighborhood street. Not sure who enjoyed them more, him or my husband.  So blessed to have know Mr. Willis and Mrs. Hazel. He will be missed.

OBITUARY

Willis G. Hester

June 14, 1935 – May 19, 2025

Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-East Brainerd Chapel

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