Obituary – Jimmy Devon Hester

Published 9:47 am Monday, April 7, 2025

Jimmy Devon Hester, a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away at home on March 31 at the age of 82. Born at his home in McKenzie, he was a hard worker from an early age and wore many hats throughout his life. He touched the lives of many people through his work as a carpenter; a National Guard soldier; worker at the L & N Railroad; worker at Scott Paper Company; truck driver at Century Steps, Evergreen Transportation and Averitt Trucking; a janitor at Greenville Middle School; a substitute at McKenzie School and a wheelchair ramp builder with a group of comical (mostly older) men from churches around Greenville. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Saint Joseph Hester and mother, Lois Gertrude (Harvill) Hester; his brother, Joseph Gerald Hester and eldest son, James Douglas Hester.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Jeanette Reid Hester; son, Greg (Pam) Hester and daughter Kim (Kenny) Ruggles, along with his six cherished grandchildren, Drew Hester, Trey Bowen, Reid Bowen, Sam Bowen, Joseph Hester and Jessie Walters; 11 great grandchildren; his older sister, Emogene Colvin; younger brothers, Sammy Hester and Mikey Hester and numerous nieces and nephews. 

He loved to dance with his wife whether on the living room floor or the dance floor and you would always see his foot tapping to the music. His degree in music at a later age was a proud accomplishment. He loved to sing, could quote scripture and loved Jesus. He had a story about anything and never met a stranger. 

A celebration of his life was held on Saturday, April 5, at 11 a.m. at Dunklin Funeral Home in Greenville with Reverend Tim Skipper officiating. Burial followed in Magnolia Cemetery. The family received friends at the funeral home on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. until time of service.

For online condolences, please visit www.dunklinfh.com.