Gary Thomas Hester, age 61, of Lumberton, NC died on Friday, March 12, 2010 at Southeastern Regional Medical Center in Lumberton. He was born in Robeson County, NC on July 22, 1948 to Ralph and Alfreda Bowen Hester. He was a District Manager for Advance Auto Parts.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Hester.

Mr. Hester is survived by his mother, Alfreda McLamb of Sneads Ferry, NC; two sons, Shane Hester of Seven Lakes, NC and Gary Hester II and wife Lynn of Red Springs, NC; one daughter, Haley Purcell and husband, Richard of Fayetteville, NC; three brothers, Dan Hester and wife, Patsy of Raleigh, NC, Bob Hester and wife, Brenda of Fairmont, NC and Mike Hester and wife, Amber of Virginia Beach, VA; one sister, Carolyn Baucom of Matthews, NC; six grandchildren, Lindsay, Macy, T.J., Cassi, Seth, Molli; two great-grandchildren, Anthony and Zachry; nieces, Rene, Kelly, Amy, Kelly, Katie, Austen, Taylor and Brittany; one nephew, Marty.

A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 4:00 PM at Raft Swamp Baptist Church with Dr. Lynn M. Bullock and Rev. Nash Odom officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Faith Cemetery in Lumberton.

Visitation will be from 3:00-4:00 PM at the church prior to the service.