Benjamin Earl Hester, Jr.

Benjamin Earl Hester, Jr., 73, of Lexington, NC, passed away June 5, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family. A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Lexington on June 12, 2022, at 2 pm. Family and friends are invited for fellowship outside the church directly following the service. Attendees are kindly asked to wear a mask indoors. The service will also be available live on the First UMC Lexington NC YouTube channel. A link can be found at www.fumclex.org in the News & Calendar section.

Earl dedicated his life and career to improving Davidson County, including spearheading the implementation of new technology such as the county’s 911 system, internet service, cable television and other innovations. He was also instrumental in advocating for Lexington’s small businesses by helping establish the Lexcard Buy Local program, which encouraged people to shop locally.

While he began his career in human resources for Burlington Industries in Tarboro and Marion, Earl spent most of his career with Lexcom (previously Lexington Telephone Co.) serving in roles including personnel and safety director, assistant general manager and executive vice president until he moved into private business ownership.

Active in community service, Earl was involved with the Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce, serving as board chair in 1991. He was named Distinguished Citizen of the Year in 1999 for his numerous contributions to Lexington. The chamber continues to honor Earl each year with a small business award in his name.

Over the years, Earl also served his community as a member of the Lexington City Schools Board, chairman of the Advisory Board of Directors of Wachovia Bank, member of the Lexington Memorial Hospital Foundation Board, member of the Uptown Lexington Economic Revitalization Committee, president and member of the Lexington Rotary Club, United Way Board member, Leadership Davidson County participant and various leadership roles at First United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Katherine; as well as his daughter, Margaret Battle, and her husband Robby Battle; daughter, Elizabeth, and her partner Nic Huffman; and his sister, Patricia Long and nephew, Jason Long.

Born to Benjamin and Peggy Hester, Earl grew up in Roxboro, NC, where he developed his life-long love of classic cars from the 1950s and 1960s and old radios. He graduated from Louisburg College, Campbell University and earned a Master of Business Administration from Appalachian State University.

Known for his dry sense of humor, Earl was always ready to learn something new and could fix just about anything electronic. He built a house on High Rock Lake (with help from some incredible friends and family) and taught himself to cross stich on a dare from colleagues. He enjoyed water skiing, boating, floating and the occasional Miller Lite.

The family would like to thank his caregivers Tammy Blake, Tammy Childress, Jennifer Collins, Jim Crouser, Tina Hill, Ziare Marsh, Anibal Recinos, Wesley Hearn Robbins, Melanie Shemel and Courtney Webb, as well as his trainer and friend, Diana Jobe. We are grateful for all of you and your love, care and dedication. You’re all forever a part of our family.

If you’d like to honor Earl’s memory, please consider a donation to Hospice of Davidson County, The Life Center of Davidson County, First United Methodist Church or a charity of your choosing.