Gary Wayne Hester, 67, passed away on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at Hospice at Wendover in Shelby.

Gary was born on November 24, 1955 in Cleveland County, NC son of the late Lester Ernest Hester and Eva Sue Auton Hester. He was retired as a general manager for KFC. Gary was a long time member of Cherryville Missionary Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Judy Wall Hester of the home; a daughter Debbie Hester Jones (Todd); a son Michael Scott Hester (Sheina); a sister, Leslie Wall (Terry); eight grandchildren, Mark Hester, Landon Gray, Alexis Hester, Logan and Brayden Jones, Breanna, Nester and Aaron Bridges; a niece Jennifer Adams (Chris), two nephews, Ricky Hester (Carissa), Steven Wall; great niece, Kayla Hester; great nephews, Daniel Hester, Shawn Hester and Adam Wall.

The family will receive friends from 6:00PM to 8:00PM on Thursday, June 15, 2023 at Stamey-Cherryville Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM on Friday, June 16, 2023 at Cherryville Missionary Methodist Church with the Rev. Bobby Holtsclaw officiating.

Burial will follow the service in City Memorial Cemetery in Cherryville.

Memorials may be made to Cherryville Missionary Methodist Church, 318 W. Ballard Street, Cherryville, NC 28021.

A guest register is available at www.stameycherryvillefuneralhome.com

Stamey-Cherryville Funeral Home & Cremation Service is serving the Hester family.