Jimmy Craig Hester, 56, passed away Sunday June 28, 2026, at Hebron Church of
Christ surrounded by his loving church family whom he held very dear to his heart.
Craig was able to love without boundaries and had a way of making everyone special to
him feel his endless love on a daily basis. He genuinely loved his church and was so
excited to be surrounded by those he loved as often as possible.
Craig was born on May 30, 1970, to Jimmy and Sue Hester. He was the oldest of their
three children and was a great son, brother, friend, and protector to all he knew. He
loved music and was an extremely talented musician which captivated him as a very
young boy. He could play just about any type of music and could play it back to you by
ear after hearing it once. The drums were the first instrument that grabbed his attention
and drew him back in up until his final days on this Earth, but he also loved just about
anything that made noise.
Craig graduated from Arab High School in 1988. He then went on to Snead State
Community College after gaining a scholarship to play in the Snead State Jazz Band.
Over the years, he played in numerous bands including the current band he participated
in with his dad, Jimmy, the Ukesters. He looked forward to their performances as well as
practice weekly.
Craig is survived by his dad Jimmy Dale Hester, Brother Brian Walter Hester, sister
Briana Hester Knight (Shaun), son Zachary Andrew Hester (Laura), stepdaughter
Madasyn Hope Williams, grandson Andrew Hester, granddaughter Faithlynn Wilson,
nieces Kelsey Reagan Neal and Peyton Rae Hester and nephew Nathan Kyle Neal. He
was preceded in death by his loving mom Glenda Sue Hester, son William Jacob
Hester, niece McKenna Grace Knight, grandparents Walter and Audrey Hester and
Andy and Connie Wilks along with many aunts, uncles and extended family.
The family will gather at Hebron Church of Christ in Hulaco on Thursday, July 2, 2026,
to celebrate his life. They will accept friends and loved ones at 11am for visitation with funeral services at 12pm with Brock Johnson officiating. Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel is entrusted
with arrangements.
