J. Philip Hester, Sr.

Philip Hester, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and community leader, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at his home in Gainesville, GA after a courageous battle with dementia. He was 72 years old.

 Born January 23, 1953, in Cairo, Georgia, Philip was one of seven children and a proud graduate of Cairo High School, where he played football and golf. His childhood was filled with joyful evenings playing touch football with his brothers and neighborhood friends on 4th Avenue. During his senior year, he met the love of his life, Beth, at a high school play. The two were married on July 3, 1976, and shared 49 wonderful years together.

 A lifelong Bulldog fan, Philip attended the University of Georgia, where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order and earned a degree in Business Administration in 1975. He later graduated from LSU’s School of Banking in 1980. A third- generation banker, Philip was passionate about serving others through his profession. Over the course of his career, he held leadership roles at Waycross Bank & Trust, First Community Bank of Dawsonville, Chestatee State Bank, Ameris Bank, Wells Fargo, and SouthCrest Bank. He was especially proud to serve as Cairo Market President for Ameris Bank, continuing the legacy of his father and grandfather in their hometown.

Philip was widely known as one of the last true Southern Gentlemen. He was admired for his kindness, calm demeanor, and generosity—qualities that defined his relationships and leadership throughout his life. Whether helping to build stronger communities through banking or mixing drinks at a UGA tailgate, he brought warmth and joy to every interaction.

 A devoted Georgia Bulldogs fan, Philip watched every game and instilled a love for the Dawgs in his children. He was an early riser, often up before the sun, and loved to spend time outdoors, especially at the grill—where he was known for his perfectly cooked steaks and easygoing hospitality. He also loved to read, especially works by David McCullough and Tom Clancy, and could often be found napping with a novel on his chest and golf playing softly on the TV. In a moment that still brings smiles and headshakes, Philip was somehow “deputized” by the Dawson County Police Force—though no one is quite sure how or why.

 Above all, Philip was devoted to his family. He was a proud and loving father to Whitney, JP, and Ford, and nothing brought him more joy than time spent with them. He loved being a grandfather and entertaining the grandkids with his famous Donald Duck voice. No matter who he was with, he was always present with a kind smile, a chuckle, and a willingness to listen and support in whatever way he could.

Philip is survived by his loving wife, Beth; his children, Whitney Hester Anthony (Paul), J. Philip Hester, Jr., and Ford Hester (Anna), all of Gainesville; his grandchildren, Sawyer Anthony, Lane Hester, and Millie Hester; his sister, Jeanne Hester Crawford (Max) of Gainesville; and his brother, Dr. T. Roderick Hester (Lynn) of Lake Oconee. He was preceded in death by his parents, T.R. and Rebecca Overman Hester; his brothers Richard “Dit” Hester, William “Bill” Hester, Paul Hester; sister Martha Hester. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A visitation will be held on Monday, July 28 th from 4:00pm – 6:00pm at Little-Davenport Funeral Home in Gainesville. Following the visitation, a short service will be held from 6:00pm – 6:30pm. Dr. William H. Waterstradt will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Beyond Dementia Coalition, an organization focused increasing awareness of and understanding about dementia in Gainesville, Hall County and Northeast Georgia. Their mission is to reduce the stigma of dementia and embrace those living with the disease. https://beyonddementiacoalition.org/donate

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.

Arrangements are in the care of Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501.