Robert Lloyd Hester

January 11, 1942 - September 23, 2018

Obituary For Robert Lloyd Hester

Robert Lloyd Hester, 76, passed away Sunday, September 23, 2018 at the Transitions Hospice House in Raleigh.

Robert was born January 11, 1942 to Mildred and Robert (RD) Hester in Bladenboro, NC, the oldest of two children.

He graduated from Bladenboro High School in 1960 and East Carolina University in 1964. Robert taught in Bladenboro and then Raleigh, primarily at West Millbrook Middle School, for over 35 years. In addition to teaching Robert coached several sports, football, basketball and baseball. His teams were very successful, winning many conference championships. He loved teaching young people, coaching them in order to achieve a common goal and helping them become better people in the process. Outside of coaching Robert loved being outdoors, especially playing golf with friends, going on numerous trips and playing as often as he was able. He was an avid fisherman and he loved sports, especially University of North Carolina basketball. More than anything Robert loved his family and being ‘Grandpa’ to his two grandchildren, always bringing them a surprise when he visited. He had a dry sense of humor and was able to recall hundreds of jokes and stories from memory.

Robert is survived by his son, Josh (Julie) Hester; grandchildren, Greta and Heidi Hester; sister, Barbara (Ronnie) Russ; nephew Ron Russ; niece Jennifer Dreyer. Robert was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at Renaissance Funeral Home at 3:00 PM. The family will receive friends and visitors immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Services

26 Sep

Memorial Service

03:00 PM - 04:00 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center 7615 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

September 01, 2020

Alice Hester Edwards

Memories of High School were made better by Robert...crazy, funny and always had lots to say...many double dates and travels to ECU..Rip my cousin and friend. Alice Hester Edwards
September 01, 2020

Tom Chandler

It's sad that Robert has passed on. I'd only seen him once in the past 50 years, at his mom's funeral. Growing up he came to our house very often to shoot baskets with my brother, Joe, Joseph, Branton, me, and a host of others. To say that he was a great roll model is a gross understatement. When I was an elementary age boy and him a high school student we all reached out to him for guidance because of the standard of excellence he set as an inspiring teenager. We worked at the mill together one summer when he was in college and I was a senior at Bladenboro High School. We fished together, too. And, I remember vividly the night he graduated from high school. While he and his class members were walking down the isle to the front of the auditorium he and only he was, I guess, purposely dragging his heels and getting attention while he did it. 58 years ago and I can still remember it. He made a lasting impression on more people than I could ever imagine. We all laughed. Robert was, truly, the best. God bless you son.
September 01, 2020

joyce walker

Robert and I taught together at West Millbrook and I have so many fond memories of our time together. One in particular was how he saved me when I was trying to teach an advanced math class......I was a LA teacher. Id send a student to get Robert to my classroom to explain a concept I didnt understand. :grinning:. That happened more than once for sure. Lucky for me that year he was in a trailer right outside my back door. There are many other memories......his caring for the kids, his sense of humor, his love of our school sports, among others. Im sure he will be missed by all of his family. Joyce Walker
September 01, 2020

Mary Ann Curry

I knew coach Hester from West Millbrook.. I was the manager for his football team way back in 1977... I remember him being so intimidating yet so kind and such a great role model.. I know he will be missed by many ... so sorry for your loss
September 01, 2020

Martin Schreiner

Coach Hester was my first football and baseball coach. He was always seen by us kids as a great mentor. Loved his funny stories and having fun with your teammates. He seemed to be larger than life type of influence! You listened to Coach Hester or we were definitely doing some extra running! Glad to have had him as an influencer in my young life. Sorry for the family's loss. I'm sure he will be missed!
September 01, 2020

JESSE fred McKaig

Great guy meant a lot to the McKaig family sheared many good times with him will be missed.
September 01, 2020

Debbie Holder

Josh, we are so sorry for your loss. Frank Holder and I have had so many laughs and shared so many meals after their golf matches over the years. Loved his sense of humor!
September 01, 2020

Kentley Brian Hester

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of your family at this time. God will give you comfort. I represent the Bob Hester reunion family from Bladenboro.NC. All have been notified of your loss. My grandfather was Bob Hester , brother to George Hester the granddad of Robert. - Take care and remember that you're loved by the Hester family. Herman and Ellen Hester, P.O. Box 251, Gastonia, NC28053
September 01, 2020

Allen Proctor

Coach Hesters first year at Millbrook was fall of 1967 and he coached 8th grade football and basketball. He took our basketball team on a weekend camping trip to Boone (where he was able to visit his girlfriend). We never got the tent up but we slept under it like a tarp and woke up to a light snowfall that morning. He was all in...a great mentor and coach.