Fred Wilson Lester Jr.

Obituary Fred Wilson Lester, Jr was born Oct 30, 1941 in Statesboro, Georgia to the parentage of the late Fred Wilson and the late Levanna Lester. He was the fourth child of seven children. He graduated from William James High School in Statesboro, Georgia. He began studies at Johnson C. Smith in Charlotte, North Carolina and earned his bachelors degree in political science from from Kean College (New Jersey). Fred went to the Air Force after marrying Annie Brooks. To this union, two daughters were born, Apostle Gwen Carson and Taja Lester, MBA. Fred was active in the community, including key roles as a District Leader and President of the Board of Education (New Jersey). A few of his accomplishments include establishing a new elementary school and leading the charge to rename a park after the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. After ~ 30 years of service, Fred retired from Public Service Electric & Gas Company (New Jersey). He relocated to Georgia; earned his insurance and investment licenses; and established a financial services office for Primerica, which promoted him to Vice President for his outstanding work. In addition to his entrepreneurial activities, he was a member of Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church and was active in the Grief Ministry. Throughout his life, Fred received numerous awards. He enjoyed fishing; and he was known for regularly taking his youngest daughter and grandchildren fishing. He also loved sports and speaking words of encouragement to his nieces, nephews and members of his community; many of whom continue to remark that "he was like a father to them". He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife of 58 years, Annie Lester; daughters Apostle Gwen Carson of New Jersey and Taja Lester, MBA of California; grandchildren, Maurice Hill (Whitney) of Alabama and Michiah Carson of New Jersey; three great grandchildren; one godson; two living sisters, Dorothea Lester and Eunice Davis (William); three sisters in law, Mary Bowers (Leroy), Regina Akridge and Linda Hartley, one living aunt, Ruby Wilson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, Primerica family and friends. Two brothers preceded him in death; John Lester (Phyllis) of New Jersey and Kenneth Lester (Carolyn) of New Jersey. Two sisters preceded him in death, Evelyn Thomas and Connie Lester.