Terry Anderson Lester

Terry Anderson Lester

May 14, 1953 – December 23, 2024

It is with great sadness, but even greater hope, that we announce the passing of Terry Anderson Lester, age 71, of Barnesville, Georgia. Terry left this world peacefully on December 23, 2024 stepping into eternity to celebrate the greatest Christmas imaginable in the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

A graveside service will be held on December 26, 2024 at 12 pm at Montezuma Mennonite Church in Montezuma, Georgia.

Terry was a man of many roles, talents, and passions. He was a farmer, a teacher, a basketball and football coach, a construction worker, a dispatcher at Georgia Pacific, and a retired DOT inspection officer at the Forsyth weigh station. He was also an ordained minister, a Chaplin, and an incredible drummer. Above all he was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, a loyal brother, and a cherished friend.

To know Terry was to know his deep love for God and the things of God. He had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that shaped every aspect of his life. He lived with a quiet peace and joy, rooted in his faith and an unwavering hope in eternity. Christmas was his favorite time of year, and it is no coincidence that God called him home during the season he loved most.

Terry had a zest for life and a love for music. His final moments were spent listening to The Beach Boys, reflecting his lifelong passion for melody and rhythm. Whether playing sports in his younger years –basketball, football, baseball—or coaching and teaching, Terry poured his heart into everything he did. He had a special way of inspiring others, whether through a lesson in the classroom, a word of encouragement on the field, or a sermon from the pulpit.

In his later years, Terry grew to understand that faith was not about rules or religion but about a personal relationship with Jesus. This realization transformed his life, and he often shared this truth with those around him. He knew that salvation came through Christ alone, and he encouraged everyone he met to seek that relationship for themselves.

Family was at the core of Terry`s life. He is survived by his four children, Emily DeBary (Jeremy) of Ocala, Florida, Micah Lester (Megan) of Barnesville, Georgia, Noah Lester (Lydia) of Montezuma, Georgia, and Joe Lester (Ann) of Montezuma, Georgia; his brother Larry Lester (Carol) of Gainesville, Georgia; and his six grandchildren, Jeffrey DeBary, Molly DeBary, Josiah DeBary, Carson Lester, Turner Lester, and Jaxen Lester. He is also remembered fondly by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Terry was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn Lester, his beloved son, Robert Bradley Lester, and his parents, CPL Arthur Olin Lester and Gerane Audrey Anderson Lester. His devotion to his wife during her seven years of being bedridden was nothing short of extraordinary. He embodied unconditional love, and his life was a testament to selflessness and faithfulness.

While we mourn Terry`s absence, we rejoice in the assurance that he is now in the presence of his Lord, reunited with loved ones, and experiencing the fullness of joy that only heaven can offer. His legacy will live on in the lives of his family and all who were blessed to know him. One day, those who have accepted Christ will join him in glory, and what a reunion that will be.

Merry Christmas in Heaven, we love you.

Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.watsonmathewsfuneralhome.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Mathews Funeral Home in Montezuma, Georgia