NEWS
In Memoriam: William “Sonny” Hester Jr.
Sonny Hester
Mr. William “Sonny” Hester, Jr., 79, passed on April 28, 2023 at Atrium Health Northeast Medical Center.
Born April 11, 1944 in Rowan County, he was the son of the late William Hester Sr. and Mildred Burton Hester.
Educated in the public schools of Rowan County, he was a graduate of Aggrey Memorial High School, Landis.
In his younger years, he attended Sandy Ridge A.M.E. Zion church but he visited different churches throughout the years.
Mr. Hester was a very giving person. He often helped people in the community without asking for anything in return. He truly was a blessing to many. He was last employed with Ada Jenkins Center, Davidson, as a custodian.
Sonny Heston with a couple of those hand crafted picture frames.
And while he held the title of custodian, he was so much more. Sonny’s beaming smile greeted everyone at Ada Jenkins: staff, clients, and anyone he met.
Sonny was also an amazing handyman and carpenter. He could build anything and would show up when his neighbors called. After Hurricane Hugo caused significant damage across Davidson, Sonny built and rebuilt countless porches and structures around the community. He also had some unusual woodworking skills, often working with items like popsicle sticks and matches. Picture frames made by Sonny are hanging on the walls of countless homes around Davidson. He even made a model of Davidson Presbyterian Church out of popsicle sticks.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Nichols; brothers, Fred Hester and Jimmie Hester; and sisters, Mary Elizabeth Burton and Ruthene Hester Jones.
Those left to cherish his memories are his children, Marcus Hester (Kimberly) of Charlotte, William Hester, III (Pamela) of Kannapolis, and Michael Marsh (Brandi) of Concord; siblings, Mildred Chambers of Salisbury, Ardraine Alsbrooks of San Diego, Cathy Morrison of Landis, Carla Neal (Lee) of Baltimore, Bennett Hester of Kannapolis, Gary Hester (Yueh Mei) of Las Vegas and Tony Hester of Tabor; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
As so many mourn his passing, memories of big events like Sonny’s birthday party at Ada Jenkins bring some smiles among the tears.