James E. "Smokey" Lester

James Emmett “Smokey” Lester, 81, of Prosperity, passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at his home.

Born on February 16, 1942, in Pomaria, he was a son of the late William James and Mary Lou Wicker Lester. Smokey was a member of the first graduating class of Mid Carolina High School in 1959. He retired from Nekosa as a supervisor in the finishing department. He also owned and operated the Sinclair Service Station for many years. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. Smokey loved golfing and was a charter member of the Mid Carolina Country Club. He was a Mason, member of the Prosperity Masonic Lodge #115 and a Shriner, member of the Jamil Temple Shriners.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Lathrop Lester; a son, William Dean (Vicki) Lester of Bonaire, GA; a sister, Macy (David) Warren of Newberry and grandsons, Daryl Lester and Steven Lester. He was predeceased by a brother, Gerald C. Lester.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday, October 12, 2023, at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2496 SC Highway 773, Pomaria, SC 29126 or to the Shriner's Hospital, 950 W Faris Rd, Greenville, SC 29605.

Active pallbearers will be Will Warren, David Warren, Steve Wicker, Daryl Lester and Steven Lester.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Mid Carolina Men's Golf Association.