Owen Wally Hester

Owen Wally Hester, 86, passed away peacefully at home on June 3, 2023. Born to Ruby and Fred Hester in Rome, Georgia on December 30, 1936, Wally grew up in Forney, Alabama. He graduated from Cherokee County High School.  He attended Auburn University and served as president of Alpha Psi Fraternity. He graduated from Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1962, and married the love of his life, Paula Cook Hester on June 7th of the same year. Wally was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, William Simms Moor. He is survived by his wife Paula Hester; their children, Paula Hester Cavanaugh - Fairhope, AL; Leigh Ann Hester Moor (Matt) - Birmingham, AL; Russell Owen Hester (Cindy) - Alabaster, AL; grandchildren -  Matthew Paul Cavanaugh - Fairhope, AL; Katie Cavanaugh Chapman (Patrick) -Fairhope, AL; John Matthew B. Moor, Jr. - Atlanta, GA; Benjamin Russell Moor - Birmingham, AL; Rebecca Sebring Hester - Montgomery, AL; Owen David Hester and Olivia Kathryn Hester - Alabaster, AL; great grandchildren, Adler Anne Chapman and John Weller Chapman - Fairhope, AL. Sisters in-law, Gail Cook Harris (Frank) - Highlands, NC and Shirley Ann Cobb, Ruston, LA.

Wally was the Federal Area Veterinarian - In - Charge from 1990 until his retirement in 2008. During his career he was awarded many Merit Awards locally and nationally for his work in animal epidemiology and diagnostics, and he authored numerous professional papers. He served as president /director of: Alabama Quarter Horse Breeders Association, Alabama Hereford Breeder's Association, Alabama Purebred Breeders Council, National Association of Federal Veterinarians and he was in the house of delegates of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Wally also served many years as Commissioner of the Southeastern Dixie Youth Baseball League, and the Wynlakes Home Owners Association. He played golf with the "Bronner Group" at Wynlakes Golf and Country Club where he made many friends and adored all the staff, especially Anthony. Wally was a longtime member of Young Meadows Presbyterian Church.

Wally was incredibly proud of his family and was always at the ready with his quick wit and quiet insight. His humor, patient spirit and deep faith in God made a lasting impression on all who knew him. "Well done, my good and faithful servant", Matthew 25: 21.The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the excellent care and support of all the staff at Hospice of Montgomery.

There will be a Memorial Service on June 7th, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation at 1:00 p.m. at Young Meadows Presbyterian Church, 5780 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL  36116. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Presbyterian Home for Children, 905 Gertrude Michaels Drive, Talladega, AL 35160.

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