Terry Lee Hester, 68, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 22, 2023, at Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton, Georgia. Terry made a point of letting us all know he was ready to meet his Maker.
Funeral services will be held 11 AM, Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at Arbor Baptist Church in Fitzgerald, Georgia, with the Rev. Dr. Lloyd Stembridge officiating. Eulogies will be given by Mark Massee and Ronnie “Pug” Clemons. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery in Fitzgerald. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, from 6 PM until 8 PM, in the sanctuary of Arbor Baptist Church, 1137 N. Merrimac Drive, Ext., Fitzgerald, Georgia, 31750.
Terry was born December 9, 1954, in Fitzgerald, Georgia, to the late Clarence and Jewel Hester. He loved the Lord and never hesitated to tell others of his faith in God. Terry was an active member at Arbor Baptist Church where he served as Deacon and formerly taught the Men’s Fellowship Sunday School class. He was a big supporter of the Arbor Student Ministries.
Terry was an avid youth sports fan. He was a volunteer coach in the Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County Department of Leisure Services Youth Recreational Programs for many years in baseball, basketball and soccer. Terry loved coaching and being involved in any sporting activity his sons were involved in. Recently he had the fun of watching his grandson, Eli, play baseball. Terry was the “Voice of the Canes” for 23 years providing play-by-play action of Fitzgerald High School baseball games for 96.9 WRDO radio. He will be remembered for his signature closing “and that’s your ball game”.
Terry retired as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of Colony Bankcorp in 2019, after 42 years of service. He was instrumental in the growth of Colony Bankcorp over the years. Terry previously served on Colony Bank’s Community Boards in Wilcox and Quitman and was currently serving on the Board of Directors of Colony Bankcorp.
Terry was a great role model for his three sons of what a Godly husband and father should be. He loved them so much and was very proud of them and their accomplishments. Terry loved his wife immensely and God blessed them with many happy years together. He loved his family and was always willing to support them in any way he could.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Kathy Minshew Hester of Fitzgerald; children and their families: Jason and Mandi Hester and grandson, Eli of Bonaire, Georgia, Jeffrey Hester and Kristy Payne and her children and grandson, Kelsey, Bryson and Cameron of Cordele, Georgia and Jonathan and Erin Hester of Fitzgerald, Georgia; his brother, David & Sha Hester of Carrollton, Georgia; his sister, Betty & Gerald Smith of Knoxville, Tennessee, as well as a niece and three nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Jewel Hester.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials, may send them to Arbor Student Ministries, 1137 N. Merrimac Drive Ext., Fitzgerald, Georgia 31750 or to the Fitzgerald Diamond Club, 145 Wendy Lane, Fitzgerald, Georgia 31750.