James Pat Hester

James Pat Hester, 94, of Mt. Carmel, SC, husband of Emily Dunaway Hester, died Sunday, December 10, 2017 at the Abbeville Area Medical Center. He was born in Anderson, SC to the late Lawrence Lamar Hester, Sr. and Carrie McCelvey Hester. Mr. Hester attended the University of South Carolina and graduated from the Merchant Marine Academy. He served in the U.S. Merchant Marines on Liberty ships during World War II. He was co-owner with Ray Waters of Magnolia Timber Company and served on the S.C. State Highway Commission, S.C. State Development Board and the S.C. Forestry Commission. Mr. Hester was a member of Willington Presbyterian Church in Willington, SC and the Mt. Carmel Yacht Club. He was well known and greatly respected by the entire Abbeville and McCormick areas. His capable leadership rendered to the local communities and to the state of South Carolina exemplified his character and his dedication to service. Mr. Hester was a true southern gentleman, loving to his family and faithful to his church. He leaves an honorable legacy to his family, friends and to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Dr. Lawrence L. Hester, Jr. and a sister, Carolyn Hester Williams. Mr. Hester is survived by his wife, Emily, of 62 years; three daughters, Anne Hester Devoe (Lawrence ‘Larry’) of Augusta, GA, Laura E. Hester (Michael Festa) of Greenwood, SC and Frances Patricia ‘Patsy’ Hester (Kevin Silvia) of Huntsville, AL; a grandson, Patrick Festa   The family wishes to thank the staff of the Abbeville Nursing Home, whose compassion and attentive care eased his last year. Funeral services will be 2:00PM Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at the Harris Funeral Home, Calhoun Falls Chapel with the Rev. Lee Kennerly officiating. Burial will follow in the Hester family cemetery. The family is at the home where they will receive friends on Monday, December 11 and Tuesday, December 12. Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Hester may be sent to the Willington Presbyterian Church, PO Box 334, Mt. Carmel, SC 29840. A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Calhoun Falls Chapel is assisting the Hester family.