Speedy was notorious and well known for his 'jive talking' and cutting up. But strong, courageous, hard-working, tenacious, witty, humorous, no nonsense, 'tell it to you straight/no chase'; were some of his amazing qualities. His heart was huge and full of care and compassion. During his blessed 88 ½ years of life he left no stones unturned. He lived a rich and fulfilling life.

The life of Joseph Lester, began on July 15, 1934 (eldest son), to the parentage of Lucious and Odessa Lester. Joseph grew up in the small town of Henderson, Georgia. He was educated in the Houston County school system and worked diligently with his dad on the flourishing and successful family "Lester Farm" they possessed. He was lovingly referred to as "Bubba" from family and the hometown folks of Georgia. He was blessed to have married two amazing women in his lifetime; Margaret Hall-Lester, Mary West-Lester (both who preceded him in death). Seven children were born from these unions respectively (order): Beverly Lester-Sutton, Josephine Lester, Joseph Lester Jr. (preceded in death), Debra Lester-McCarthy (preceded in death), Evelyn Lester-Lane (Vernon), Tracy Lester (Rokita), and Jason Lester (preceded in death). How amazing and remarkable it is that 21 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and 4 great, great-grandchildren were born from the fruit of this one man.

Joseph was blessed to come from a large family of siblings: Eleven sisters; Clementine Buckles (Edra), Dessatine Young, Cora McGhee, Essie Anderson, Mable Lester, Helen Davis, Lorene Davis; four sisters preceded him in death: Ruth "Red" Harrell, Ruth Ellis, Berenda Scott and Robin Askew. Nine brothers; Robert "Stone" Lester, Oscar Jack Lester, Billy Lester, Randy Lester; 5 brothers preceded in death: Troy Lester, Willie "Little Buddy" Lester-Jenkins, Jerome 'Sonny Boy" Lester, Charlie "Smokey" Lester and Quentin Plenty Lester. His brothers-in-law, James Hall, Jr., (Mary) and Ivan Hall; He leaves to cherish his memories not only his biological family but those who also loved him dearly: Adrinna Holmes who was devoted to him and whom he loved and considered a daughter. Remarkably close friends; Isiah Henley, Billy Jack Anderson, James Giffin, John Giffin; and a host of other friends, nieces, nephews, cousins; etc.

Speedy (is the name affectionately referred to by family and friends) in Greenwood, South Carolina. He made South Carolina his home many years ago and resided there until his passing. Through merediligence and hard work, he became a successful entrepreneur of "Lester and Son's Heating & Cooling "to whom he leaves this extraordinary legacy to his son, Tracy Lester.

Our dad's extraordinary life, Joseph (Speedy/Bubba) Lester Sr., ended on January 10, 2023, at approximately 7:20 AM. And although we are saddened, we can take comfort and be thankful in knowing that he is resting in the arms of Jesus. We, his children lovingly surrounded his bed as we gave him the greatest gift we could ever give him and that was "the gift of salvation." We prayed with him that his transition into God's Heavenly Kingdom be sweet and peaceful as the Angels of GOD ushered him into God's arms. Joseph's sunset came on this side of glory, but praise be to GOD his new sunrise – new life came on the other side of glory – his HEAVENLY home. 2 Corinthians 5:8 -We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

Joseph's living children (Beverly, Josephine, Evelyn, Tracy) give GOD all the glory for allowing our dad to live 88 ½ years, passed three scores and ten. We thank each of you for your love and concern during our time of bereavement. May God richly bless you all.

Public viewing will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, from 1-6 p.m. at the funeral home.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, January 19, 2023, at the Little River Multicultural Complex Center, 415 Riley Road in Hodges, South Carolina 29653, with the Reverend Joseph Caldwell, Officiating and Elder Reverend Dr. Derrick Scott, Presiding. The body will be placed in the center at 1p.m. Burial will be in Lester Cemetery in Henderson, Georgia.

Pallbearers will be Mid Knight Kings Motorcycle Club and Flower Bearers will be Granddaughters and Nieces.

The family is at the home of his son, Tracy Lester, 117 Leyland Court, Greenwood, South Carolina.

Parks Funeral Home is assisting the Lester Family.