Fred Olson Lester

Fred Olson Lester, 87, of Bessemer City, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday September 16, 2017 at Peak Resources in Cherryville. Fred was well-known as a musician and he enjoyed singing. Fred loved to travel and he enjoyed trips out West. Fred was an active member of Unity Baptist Church in Gastonia. He will be missed by his family and friends.

Fred is the son of the late Olivia (Walker) Lester and Zach T. Lester. Fred was also preceded in death by one daughter; Jamie Kraft.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 30 years Doris (Murray) Lester. Fred never had any children of his own, but had many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren by choice. Surviving Fred are his children Fonda Buchanan of Birmingham, Alabama, Larry and Kathy Hawkins of Shelby, Wayne and Diane Scronce of Daytona Beach, Florida and George and Alice Kraft of Gastonia. Missing their grandfather are; Neely Pollard and husband Alex of Raleigh, Lucas Hawkins and wife Traci of Colorado, Nathan Scronce and wife Ashley of Georgia, Dylan Davis and wife Charity of Shelby, Lacey Stanley of Shelby and Felecia Dewing and husband Nick of Birmingham, Alabama. Fred leaves behind 11 great-grandchildren; Kennedy Davis, Karter Davis, Maddox Davis, Skylar Roberts, Rori Hawkins, Lofton Scronce, Rowan Scronce, Isla Pollard, Maxwell Pollard, Zak Dewing and Addison Dewing. Fred also leaves behind one sister; Irene Arthur and one special nephew Mike Arthur and wife Ann of Bradenton, Florida.

A Celebration of Life for Fred will be held at 4:00 PM on Tuesday September 19, 2017 at Carothers Funeral Home Chapel, 2205 Williamsburg Drive, Gastonia. Pastor Roger Mathis of Unity Baptist Church in Gastonia will offer words of encouragement and hope to friends who gather. Mr. Larry Hawkins will also officiate.

The family will receive friends one hour before the service.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Fred’s name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or to the charity of your choice.

Those who wish to offer expressions of sympathy and share fond memories, please visit Fred’s guest book at: www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com

The family of Fred Lester has entrusted his care to Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park. We are deeply honored.