Franklin Douglas “Doug” Hester, 89, of the Red Rock community in Tuscumbia, AL entered his heavenly home on Friday, May 29, 2026.
Doug was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Mary Catherine Hester; his parents, Hugh and Weber Hester; and siblings, Martha Killian, Earleen Zinaman, Miranda Jett, Denton Hester, Glenn Hester, Lawrence “Tom” Hester, Rebecca Nail, Ruth Thompson, Wayne Hester, and Jack Hester.
Doug is survived by his sons, Max Hester (Gail) of Standford, KY and Mike Hester (Regina) of Tuscumbia, AL; grandsons, Kyle Hester (Rachel) of Waynesburg, KY and Dayton Hester (Abigail) of St. Augustine, FL; great-grandson, Nathaniel Douglas Hester of Waynesburg, KY and great-granddaughter, Adelyn Marie Hester of St. Augustine, FL; sisters, Ann Culberson and Dorothy Malone of Tuscumbia, AL; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Doug was a proud graduate of the class of 1954 at Cherokee Vocational High School where he was senior class president, quarterback and captain of the football team, and a member of the basketball team. Upon graduation he worked at Southern Sash, Diamond Alkali, and the Ford Motor Company Sheffield plant. After transferring to the Taurus assembly plant in Atlanta, Georgia, he retired from Ford in 1992 with 33 years of loyal service.
Doug dearly loved his family, friends, and neighbors and enjoyed tending his small farm in Red Rock. Most of all, he loved God and shared his faith in Jesus Christ through his unique ministry of distributing “$2 bills.” He was a member of Cherokee First Baptist, Hook Street Baptist, and later attended Cane Creek Church in Red Rock.
A viewing for family and friends was held on Monday, June 1, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Morrison Funeral Home in Tuscumbia. A memorial service will be held at Cane Creek Church (605 Red Rock Road) on Tuesday, June 2 at 1:00 PM with burial to follow at Barton Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dayton Hester, Larry Hester, Randy Hester, Dana Hester, Marc Prestera, and William Gist.
The family wishes to extend sincere appreciation to the staff at Southern Magnolia and Gentiva Hospice for the endearing love and special care provided. Appreciation is also extended to Dr. Terrance Hart and Tennessee River Dermatology and their staff for the many years of dedicated care.
