Johnny Ray Lester, of Covington, passed away March 28, 2018, at the age of 68. “Big Daddy,” as he was affectionately known by many, was an adoring husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a devoted family man, his grandkids’ biggest supporter and loved his four-legged babies as much as anyone else. He enjoyed coaching baseball and was an endless source of encouragement to all. Mr. Lester, Retired Command Sergeant Major, loved his country and proudly dedicated 30 years of service to the United States Army. Additionally, he served as Grand Knight, in 1985, with Knights of Columbus Council # 6352 – a Catholic fraternal organization devoted to helping others in need. Mr. Lester, a selfless man who would give his all for anyone, will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Ray Lester; granddaughter, Presley Griffis; brother, Morris Lester; and both his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Survivors include his loving wife of 48 years, Linda “Mourie” Lester; daughters and sons-in-law, Tracy and Joshua Waites, Tiffany Leigh Landry, Lindsay and David Gardner; grandchildren, Trent and Lexi Hornsby, Rayven Hess, Dawson Minshew, Savannah Gardner, Karli Waites, Elijah Griffis, Addisyn Gardner, Gracie Griffis, Kenleigh Griffis, Ketren Waites; and great-granddaughter, Denver Hornsby.

Funeral Services for Mr. Lester will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, at the Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, 1215 Access Road, in Covington, with Pastor Philip Lehman officiating and interment following in Lawnwood Memorial Park. Friends may visit with Mr. Lester’s family, at the funeral home, from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 2. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made, in memory of Mr. Lester, to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284. www.heart.org/donate