Gerald "Jerry" Wade Hester, Jr.

Mr. Gerald “Jerry” Wade Hester, Jr., age 70, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away Saturday evening, January 3, 2026, following a recent decline in health. Jerry was born May 19, 1955, in Chula Vista, California, to the late Gerald Wade Hester, Sr. and the late Betty Jean Hilderbrand Hester. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, foster parent, and friend to all who knew him. He worked most of his life in various aspects of the farming industry, from planting and cultivating crops, to harvesting and trucking them to market. He could often be found spending time with his family, and when time permitted, enjoying his favorite fishing spots. He was a longstanding member and deacon of New Hope Baptist Church. Jerry will be forever missed by his loving wife and helpmate of 52 ½ years, Donna Marie Carver Hester of Douglas, Georgia; his 4 sons: Russell McRae Hester of Douglas, Georgia; Ryan Alfred Hester (Megan) of Ambrose, Georgia, Rhett Wade Hester (Courtney) of Hazlehurst, Georgia, and Rhen Lige Hester (LaRan Sayer) of Wray, Georgia; a foster daughter, Tori Mays of Hawkinsville, Georgia; grandchildren: Walker Hester, Cash Hester, Hunter Hester, Laura Nell Hester, Roper Hester, and Sophia Sayer; bonus grandchildren: Kaitlyn Kirkland, Slade Smith, Cameron Kirkland, and bonus great granddaughter, Sylvie Kate Smith. Jerry also leaves behind 3 sisters: Susie Hester of Dublin Georgia, Gail Hester of Wrightsville, Georgia, and Becky Frost (Anthony) also of Wrightsville, Georgia; 2 sisters-in-law: Judy Stone (Chester) and Kay Carver; a brother-in-law, Michael Carver, as well as a number of nieces, nephews, and extended family members. A funeral service to honor Jerry will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM at New Hope Baptist Church in Ambrose, Georgia, with Rev. Derrick Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Chaney Cemetery just outside Douglas, Georgia, with Rev. Rodney Courson officiating. Jerry’s family will receive friends from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Ricketson Funeral Home, Inc., and then 1-hour prior to his funeral service at the church. Active pallbearers will include Lee Bookout, Scott Merritt, Landon Gaskin, Logan Gaskin, Ashten Jewel, Nathan Hattaway, Nicholas Vickers, and Chan Carver. Honorary pallbearers will include Danny Grantham, Vic Paulk, Steve and Linda Carver, Eddie and Marie Vickers, Dennis and Diane Paulk, Wendell and Judy Sturgis, and the Coffee County Livestock Show Team - Past and Present. Condolences, kind words and fond memories may be shared with Jerry’s family at www.ricketsonfuneralhome.com. Jerry’s arrangements have been entrusted to the kind and compassionate staff of Ricketson Funeral Home, Inc. of Douglas, Georgia.

Gerald "Jerry" Wade Hester, Jr.

May 19, 1955 - January 3, 2026