Thomas Allen Hester

The Amazing Thomas Allen Hester, 70, of Cullowhee, North Carolina went home to be with Jesus March 4, 2019. He was surrounded by his loving family and the prayers of friends. He was born November 23, 1948 to the late Calvin Hester and Mary Burkhart. He is preceded in death by his brother James Hester. Tom served with honor in the US Army during the Vietnam War. After his tour was over he met his beautiful bride of 48 years, Judy (Stiff) Hester, and they were married shortly after in 1970. Tom touched lives everywhere he went. He never met a stranger and made everyone he encountered feel welcome and at ease. His humor filled the room and his laughter was contagious. He never turned away a person in need of food or a hug or understanding. He told the best stories and piloted the greatest adventures. He led by example and loved unequivocally. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Judy Hester, along with his children Stacey Harbaugh and Keri Hester; sons-in-law Kevin Harbaugh and Wesley Frizzell, and grandchildren Aaron Kelton Poppas, Lily, Ella and Elijah Frizzell. Memorial to be held March 24th, 2019 at 2pm at First United Methodist Church of Sylva. "A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again." -Maya Angelou .