Albert Graton Hester Jr., age 97, passed away on Friday, October 16, 2026, at home on Cedar Creek. In his earlier years, he was a member of Cedar Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In later years, he was an active part of several Baptist churches. Visitation will be from 12–2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m. at Akins Funeral Home in Russellville, Alabama. Bro. James McCullar and Bro. Loyd Griffus will officiate. Burial will be at Belgreen Cemetery. He is survived by his son, Albert (Sheree) Hester; his daughter, Janet Stokes; stepdaughter, Patsy Watkins; grandchildren J.T. (Julie) Stokes and Angel Stokes; step-grandchildren Scott (Meghan) Cook, Kim (Kevin) McGraw, and Trey Watkins; great-grandson Everett Stokes; step-great-grandchildren Jacob Cook, Angela (Tyler) Pounders, Tiffany (Tim) Garrison, and J.T. (Kyndra) Watkins; step-great-great-grandchildren Noah Pounders, Emmie Pounders, Dakota Garrison, and Destiny Garrison; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Florene Cook Hester; his second wife, Margaret Howard Everett Hester; his parents, Graton Hester Sr. and Ludie Johnson Hester Harris; his sister, Betty Ruth Fancher; his son-in-law, Sam Stokes; his stepson-in-law, Tommy Watkins; and his nephew, Michael Fancher.
