Jonesboro- Virgil "Gene" Hester, 84, passed away Monday, March 7, 2022 at his home.

He was born December 5, 1937 in Bono to the late Elmer and Lorene Walker Hester. He served his country proudly in the United States Army. Gene was a self-employed paint contractor. He enjoyed horses, to ride and to talk, and be with friends and family. He planted a garden every year and asked God to bless it and he would share it with everyone. He liked to watch his daughter's dance recitals.

He was survived by his wife, Mary Goodman Hester; his children, Michael Hester, Wesley Hester, Becky Hester Booth, Lavonda Barnes, Lee Caskey, Valerie Hester and Katie Hester-Franks; seven grandchildren and a fur baby, Chloe.

He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Carl Hester and Elmer Hester; two sisters, Jeanette Hester Walker and Marg Hays; a niece, Lynette Hester and fur babies, Teddy Bear Sr., Teddy Bear Jr. and Jenny.

A celebration of his life will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 11, 2022 at Revival Tabernacle in Bono with Dub Holt officiating. Interment will follow at Trinity Cemetery under the direction of Gregg-Langford Bookout Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until time of service Friday at the church.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Cory Barnes, Kyle Barnes, Raymond Minton, Elbert Dubar, Alfred Haines and Greg Hester.