Ralph “Joel” Lester, 75, passed away Monday afternoon, September 21, 2020, at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro.

A graveside service will be held at 1 PM on Thursday, September 24, at Ridgeview Memorial Gardens.  He will lie in state on Wednesday afternoon until 6 PM for those wishing to come by to pay their respects.

Born October 2, 1944 in Eden, NC, Joel was the son of the late Elmer and Doris Nance Lester.  He was a member of Temple of Faith in Ridgeway, VA and was a retired truck driver.

He is survived by his wife, Lillie Mae Stowe Lester, of the home; son, Jody Lester of Eden; daughters, Lisa Joyce of Stoneville and Robin Thomas of Bayonne, NJ; seven grandchildren, Chelsea Hingson (Will), Melany Joyce, Leanne Leffel (Bryson), Jordan Thomas, Laural Thomas, Anna Thomas, and Jenna Evans-Kemp; brothers, Paul Lester and Douglas Lester, both of Eden; and sisters, Jean Robertson of Eden, Sandra Harris and Joan Rigney, both of Stoneville.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com