James Carley "Jim" Lester, Jr.

James Carley Lester, Jr. resident of West 6th Street, Columbia, passed away February 12 at Maury Regional Hospital. He was 93. Jim was preceded in death by his parents James Carley Lester Sr., his mother Louise Beasley Lester, and his brother William Lambeth Lester. He is survived by his wife of 67 years Emogene McKinney Lester, son James “Carley” Lester III of Gray TN, and daughter Gay Carole Lester Wagner (David) of Dyersburg, TN, 4 grandchildren Chris Wagner, MacKenzie Lester, Madison Lester and Leah Wagner. Jim was born in Giles County, March 9, 1925 and spent his childhood in public schools there. Jim received an Associate Degree from Martin Methodist College and taught and attended LUTC classes until his retirement from American General Insurance Company. He was also retired from Tennessee National Guard. He was a member of First United Methodist Church where he served as Chairman of Administrative Board, Church School Treasurer and on various committees in the Church. He served as a volunteer at Maury Regional Hospital, delivered Meals On Wheels and assisted with the US Census numerous times. Jim enjoyed hunting and playing golf and treasured the friendships of his fellow golfers. Family will receive friends on February 14 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Oakes and Nichols Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church, Columbia, on Friday February 15, at 10:30 am. Reverend Frank Smith presiding. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am until the service. Burial will be at Maplewood Cemetery, in Pulaski, at 2:30 pm, on February 15, with military honors provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. Pallbearers are Chris Wagner, David Wagner, Joe Lester, Thomas Pollock, Paul McKinney, Worley McKinney, Bob Jones, Rick Molder, and Martin McKinney. Honorary Pallbearers are Farrell McKinney, Virgil Moore, Bill Moore, Patrick Harlan, David Wise, Waymon Hickman, members of Ayers Whitney Fellowship Church School and current and former members of Golden K Club. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Methodist Church or The Alzheimer’s Association, ALZ.org.