Manuel Clanton Hester 89, Russellville AL died peacefully in his home July 1, 2026.
Clanton was born August 14, 1936, in the Crooked Oak community of Franklin County. In the years he spent there he married his loving wife Mary, who stayed by his side until the Lord called him home. Together over 71 years they built a life on love, hard work, and biblical principles. He served nine years in the US Army National Guard 115th Signal Battalion, worked as a salesman for Sunbeam Bread, farmed and raised cattle. Later in life, he also drove a school bus for Russellville City Schools. Clanton enjoyed traveling out West and he and Mary took many trips there. Clanton spent many hours studying the Bible and being active in the Baptist church. He loved sharing the Bible and “The Good News” with everyone.
He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Elsie Hester, brother Nelson Hester, niece, Lisa Wright and her husband Danny, great nephew Alan Wright.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Mary, sister Reba Plemons, nephews, Andy, Mike, Phillip and Kenneth Plemons, nieces Melinda Plemons, Kim Claunch (Chris) and Mia Rogers, great-nephews Justin Goins (Cassy) and Josh Goins (Amy) and great nieces Renea Hand (Chesley) and Kristen Quick (Dillon) special great nephew Jonathan Wright (Kim), great-great nephew Emmitt Wright and great-great niece Norah Wright
The family would like to extend a special thanks to North Alabama Hospice and especially
Machelle Williams and Kendra England for their special care.
A visitation will be held at Spry Memorial Chapel on Sunday, July 5, 2026, from 1:00-2:00 in the afternoon followed by the funeral beginning at 2:00.
Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family.
