Pine Level – Anthony Bennie "Tony" Lester, age 61, died Thursday, October 21, 2021 in Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro. Born November 1, 1959 in Welch, WV he was a son of the late Judith Ann Lester. He was preceded in death by a brother, Tommy Lester; sister, Mary Lester; and father-in-law, Thomas Woodard. Tony graduated Welch High School in 1978 and went on to pursue his Bachelor's degree from Christopher Newport University. He spent majority of his career in plant management and also owned and operated Lester Tax Service, where he served over 250 clients. Tony was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Smithfield where he served as an Elder and was previously a Deacon at Faith Presbyterian Church in Newport News before his family moved to NC.

A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 30, 2021 in First Presbyterian Church in Smithfield. The family will receive friends from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the church just prior to the service.

Surviving are his wife, Sandra Woodard Lester; son, Troy Lester, both of Pine Level; mother-in-law, Carolyn Woodard of Newport News, VA; brother-in-law, Ivan Woodard (Melissa) of San Antonio, TX; and nephews, Shaun Woodard of New Jersey and Laik Woodard of San Antonio, TX.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to First Presbyterian Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 1159, Smithfield, NC 27577.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at parrishfh.com.