Lester, James R.

James R. Lester, 81, of Princeton, died Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at the Pulaski Health and Rehab Center in Pulaski, VA. Born June 24, 1925 in Oakvale, he was the son of the late James B. Lester and Emma Akers Lester.

Mr. Lester was retired from Ingersoll Rand Co. as a field supervisor and was a U. S. Army veteran of World War II having served with the 3rd Army Group. He was a member of the Princeton Advent Church, the Princeton Masonic Lodge # 134, Princeton Woodmen of the World Lodge #217 and the American Legion Post # 9 of Bluefield.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Hobert Lester, Lacy Lester, Gartha Lester and Glen Lester; and three sisters, Margie Parcell, Virgie Sewell and Annie Cooper.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Annie Beatrice Broyles Lester; two sons, Melvin Lester and his wife, Kathy of Bedford, VA and Larry Dale Lester of Greeneville, TN; two granddaughters, Kelly Lester and Courtney Lester both of Greeneville, TN; several nephews and nieces including special care givers, Carol and Wally Brockmeyer of Pulaski, VA.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 23, 2007 at the Rowland H. Bailey Funeral Chapel of the Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton with Rev. Orville Harvey and Rev. Rob Buchanan officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Memorial contributions may be made to Princeton Advent Christian Church, Princeton, WV 24740.

Friends may call from Thursday, March 22, 2007 from 6-8 p.m. at the Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.bailey-kirk.com