Wayne Leslie Hester

Wayne Leslie Hester, born December 18, 1948 in Mobile, Alabama to George Lafayette and Jean Mary (Willimott) Hester. Other than one year when his father was stationed in Pensacola and the time at Tuscaloosa and Fort Dix, NJ, he was a lifelong resident of Mobile.

He was a 1966 graduate of W.P. Davidson High School. He attended Mobile College for two years and then transferred to the University of Alabama, graduating in 1970 with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry.

Wayne was previously married to Aleta Davis, with whom he had a son, Sean Keith Hester, who preceded him in death March 6, 1975.

He was united in marriage to Bobbie Jean Tanner November 28, 1975. Together, they had three daughters, Karen (Jeff) Harris, Cynthia (Jason) Phillips, and Lesley (Dale) Brantley. Bobbie Jean preceded him in death May 5, 2002. He married Deborah Shope October 11, 2003 in Gulfport, MS.

In addition to his son and late wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Linda Reeves.

He is survived by his wife; daughters; brother, Russel Hester, as well as grandchildren, Wesley Kate and Bradley Elisabeth Harris; Brayden Thornburg and Ryan Freeman; and Bobbie Grace Phillips; and numerous nieces and nephews. Wayne joined the US Air Force but was medically discharged because of his eyesight. He returned to Alabama and joined the Army National Guard, serving six and a half years, attaining the rank of Spec 5.

He was an electrician for the Alabama State Docks for 37 years, retiring in 2011.

A HAM radio operator for over 50 years, Wayne had attained numerous awards for contacting other operators in all 50 states and in over 150 countries all over the world.

He was an avid pool player, winning and placing in tournaments in several senior centers across the country.

Wayne was baptized at a young age. He was a member of Orchard Baptist Church, where he rededicated his life to the Lord.

He was a member of the ARRL, the national association for amateur radio; the Deep South Amateur Radio Club; the OMISS Radio Club; and the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a membership based on his being the fifth-great-grandson of a Confederate Soldier.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: City of Mobile Animal Shelter, 855 Owens Street, Mobile, AL 36604 or a charity of your choice.

A visitation & gathering for Wayne will be held Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 10:30 AM at Pine Crest Funeral Home, 1939 Dauphin Island Parkway in Mobile, with a funeral service to begin at noon. Burial will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery.