John Nicholas Hester, III

John Nicholas Hester III, of Midlothian, Virginia, passed away Sunday, May 26, 2024.

Born into the family of Cecilia Scott Hester and Dr. William Shepherd Hester, John grew to be a man of warm and strong character, touching the lives of everyone he met.

John was a man of many interests, with an early love of the outdoors that was evident as a young child. He enjoyed the challenges of being a Boy Scout, earning his Eagle Scout (Scouting’s Highest Honor) rank at the young age of thirteen, and being elected by his Troop into the Order of the Arrow, (Scouting’s National Honor Society). He enjoyed creating his beautiful gardens, a testament to his patience and care. He bred new day lily varietals and was a tender of orchids, finding happiness in the blooms and sharing that infectious joy with others. His daily walks were more than exercise; they were an opportunity to bird watch and connect with neighbors and friends, embodying his belief that no one was a stranger, just a friend he had not met. A standout athlete, John shined on the basketball courts and football fields of Reidsville High School in North Carolina. He was a member of the 1954 undefeated State Championship football team and an exceptional player on both offense and defense as a lineman, leading to his induction into the Reidsville High School Football Hall of Fame in September 2023. His passion for sports was matched only by his dedication to honor, which brought him to the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia. His love for VMI was profound, and it was there that he honed not only his mind but also his singing voice, as a proud member of the VMI Glee Club. Following his graduation in 1960, he accepted a commission as 2nd Lt., and served as an officer in the US Army at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

He later earned a Master of Commerce from the University of Richmond. His acumen in finance and land management was well-respected, and he approached each venture with the same integrity and enthusiasm that he did in all aspects of his life.
John’s greatest love was his family. He was preceded in death by his parents: Dr. William Shepherd Hester, Cecilia Scott Hester, and his brother, Hugh Scott Hester. He is survived by his wife, Donna Clark Hester, his twin daughters, Tracy Leigh Hester and Lynne Hester Leggett (Stephen), his cherished grandchildren, Megan Leigh Leggett and Nicholas William Leggett, and his niece and nephews; William Shepherd Hester II (Linda), Elizabeth Scott Daly (Steve) and Hugh Scott Hester II. Each of them carries forward his legacy of kindness, generosity, and song.

The family will receive visitors at Bliley’s on Hull Street Friday May 31 from 6-8pm, and Wilkerson's Funeral Home on Saturday, June 1st at 12:45 – 1:45 in Reidsville, North Carolina with interment following at 2pm at Greenview Cemetery in Reidsville.