Donald Gray Jester

Yadkinville - Donald Gray Jester, 88, was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, and “Poppy” during his vibrant 88 years of life. He passed away peacefully on the morning of July 16th, 2025.

He was born on October 4th, 1936, in Yadkinville, to Paul Jester and Lora Cranfill Jester. After graduating from Boonville High School, he joined the U.S. National Guard and worked at Sara Lee/Hanes Hosiery in Winston-Salem as an employee and then supervisor until his retirement. At 24 years old, he met the love of his life, Hilda, due to being in the National Guard with Hilda’s brother, John. Hilda has often reminisced that it was “love at first sight.” They were married on July 3rd, 1960 after just a few months of dating. They spent years traveling, camping, growing flowers and produce together, and sharing bowls of banana split ice cream. Donald and Hilda celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary two weeks ago.

He could regularly be found getting up with the sunrise to eat breakfast at the Boonville Restaurant with his friends, watching the hummingbirds outside, or riding on his golf cart. He loved woodworking, playing pollyanna and rook, making homemade ice cream and chicken stew, and camping in his motorhome with his four grandkids. While he was a simple man, he was an avid user of new technology and was elated when the family finally got him a smartphone. He was a lifelong member of Union Grove Baptist Church in Yadkinville, where he proudly managed the cemetery fund and was a Deacon for several years. His strong relationship with Jesus was evident through his patience, kindness, gentleness, and love for others.

His family was his entire world. He is survived by his beloved wife, Hilda Hancock Jester, a daughter, Dara (Dale) Puryear, a son, Farron (Amy) Jester, and four grandchildren – Brayden (Ragan) Puryear, Breanna Puryear, Riley Jester, and Reagan Jester – who filled his later years with so much joy and laughter. He is also survived by many special cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Lora, one sister, Betty Sue Groce, and several aunts and uncles. He was especially close to his late grandfather, Otis Wade Jester. We know they are glad to be reunited again.

His funeral service will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Union Grove Baptist Church by the Rev. Kenny Gooden and Dr. Dale Hancock. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service on Saturday from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at Union Grove Baptist Church.

We are grieved to say goodbye to our Poppy and trust that Jesus weeps with us while pointing us to eternal hope. There are many beautiful memories and reminders that tether us to him. The family extends immense gratitude to the staff at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home and Forsyth Medical Center for their compassionate care for Donald during the last three weeks of his life. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Union Grove Baptist Church cemetery fund, 2401 Nebo Road, Yadkinville, NC 27055.