Lester Deese

Lester Ritchie Deese, 82, of Richfield, passed away Monday, July 12, 2021 at Stanly Manor in Albemarle.

Lester was born October 20, 1938 in Ridgecrest to the late John Lester Deese and Rose Ray Ritchie Deese. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Phyllis Hartsell Deese, who passed away in 2010; brothers, Richard, George, Theron, John, Benny Deese, an infant brother; and sisters, Belezora D. Almond, Mary D. Almond, Lois D. Almond, Letha D. Long, and Carrie D. Barbee.

The graveside service to celebrate his life will be at 11am on Friday, July 16, 2021 at St. Martin's Lutheran Church Cemetery in Albemarle, officiated by Rev. Dr. James Bernacki. He will lie in state prior to the service on Friday from 8:30am - 10am at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle.

He is survived by his son, Terry (Lisa) Deese of Richfield; daughter, Leita (James) Moore of Myrtle Beach, SC; grandson, Hamilton Deese; and granddaughters, Alexandra, Margaret, Arlayna, and Zayda Deese.

Lester was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was a retired truck driver with Unicon. He enjoyed spending time gardening and woodworking.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Pat Summitt Foundation, 520 W. Summitt Hill Dr., Suite 1101, Knoxville, TN 37902 to help fight Alzheimer's.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Deese family. Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com