George Ralph Bester

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George “Hot Poppa” Bester born July 23, 1944 to the late Jesse Bester and Susie Lewis in McAlpin, West Virginia. He was raised in Beckley, West Virginia; where he attended Stratton High School and played on the football team.

In 1965 he married Paula Jean Bester. Shortly after they relocated to Columbus, Ohio where they resided until God called him home.

George retired from Worthington City School District after many years of dedicated service. He accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age. He was an Elder and faithful member of Royal Kingdom Ministries in Columbus, Ohio. Where he was active as the head greeter, Sunday school teacher, worked with the youth ministry, praise and worship team, assisted with the food pantry and was head of the custodial ministry.

George will always and forever be remembered as a devoted husband of 55 years, outstanding father, and an amazing grandfather, not only to his own, but to many others. He was a true servant of God who did not just talk the talk but walked the walk. He gave is best to others and always made a difference in every life that he touched. He enjoyed rooting for his #1 favorite football team the “Pittsburg Steelers”, sitting on the porch with his beautiful wife and had a passion for riding his motorcycle.

George was preceded in death by daughter, Alicia Bester; brothers, David Evans and Daniel Lewis, and sister, Susan Lewis.

George leaves to cherish his memory; wife, Paula J Bester; daughters, Cathy Farmer, Stephanie Bester, Denise Bester, and Robin (William) Wilson all of Columbus, OH; sisters, Ramona Lewis, Sarah “Tee Tee” Lewis, and Beth Lewis of Beckley, WV; brother, Joseph (Cherri) Lewis of Mount Holly NC; ten grandchildren, 32 great- grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces, and other relatives and friends.

Visitation 12:00 PM and Funeral Service 1:00 PM Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE NORTH 2500 Cleveland Ave.

Condolence Messages

  1. Gwendolyn L Henson

    My condolences to the family. May God give you the peace that passes all understanding to deal with such a tragic loss. My prayers go out to your family. I remember as neighbors he would come by on his bike to see his children and grandchildren. Family was his life, always a kind word. You will be missed. R.I.H.

  2. Rose Steward

    We were sad to hear of Mister Bester passing. He was always such a great neighbor and friend. My heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Bester, and the rest of the family!
    Rose, Gina and Shawn Steward

  3. My name is Carol King and I worked at Thomas Worthington High School. I fondly remember George during my time there. He always had a smile and was willing to help me whenever I asked. I am sorry to hear of his passing and pray that your wonderful memories will help you in the days to come.

  4. Marquis Farmer

    Mrs. Ma Bester, my heartfelt Condolences goes out to you and your family, Surely God Will Not place a burden upon us greater than we can bear. Surely God’s Infinite Wisdom & Purpose for Our Lives supersedes Our understanding & Sense of Timing.
    My Love & Appreciation For Mr.Bester is astounding & I truly appreciate the Positive Figure & influence Mr.Bester erected within My/Our Neighborhood/Community.
    May He Rest In Heaven Peace
    Love Marquis & Essence Farmer

  5. Alicia I am so sorry for the passing of your grandfather. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you peace and comfort.

  6. I am sorry to learn of George’s passing away. I saw his picture in the obituary section of The Dispatch just now. I worked at Thomas Worthington High School for twelve years and remember George’s friendliness and kindnesses. I would usually see him when I first arrived at school, and he always brought a smile to my face. May your family find comfort and peace knowing what a good man he was and how he made our world a better place every day. My condolences to you all.

  7. Dan Butler "Mr. Dan"

    “When you lose someone you love, you gain an angel you know” My prayers are with you.

  8. I worked with George at Thomas Worthington before he retired. I’m sad to hear of his passing. He was always happy and willing to help in any way that he could. I considered him my friend. He will be missed.

  9. Ronald & Tammy Milner

    May the Lord continue to wrap his loving arms around your family during this difficult time. Papa Bester will truly be missed. May he rest in heaven

  10. Cynthia Walker

    I love u guy’s and i pray that u be strong thru all of this.So sorry for ur loss

  11. LaDonna Miller

    To the Bester family,
    You have my deepest and most sincere condolences. Mr. Bester was a gentle giant and loved by all he came in contact with. Me and my children had the pleasure of being in his present and what an honor that was. He was a great man of God, loving and supportive husband, dad and grandfather. God’s grace and mercy followed him in all his days. Thank you for sharing him with us. Love The Millers

  12. Christopher Bester

    My name is Christopher Bester I grew up on Woodland Ave, Mr. Bester was like a Grandpa to all us local guys whom grew up with Mike, George, Donald, Ryan, Paula. My childhood memories was always getting out of school walking across the field seeing him and Mrs. Bester sitting out front of their house. He’ll truly be missed.

  13. Tracey Shouse & Family

    Denise Bester and family you have my deepest sympathy on your loss. May God gives you peace and comfort during this difficult time. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

  14. Darnetta and Tim

    Paula, and family, Tim and I are praying for you and the rest of your family. George was a mighty man of God.
    Darnetta and Tim jefferson

  15. Carolyn Howard

    Paula Bester and Family My deepest and sincere condolences. The passing of George (Hots) is sad and shocking. May he rest in heaven peace. Praying for you and the family. May God give you peace and comfort.

  16. Carolyn Howard

    Paula Bester and Family My deepest and sincere condolences. The passing of George (Hots) is sad and shocking. May he rest in heaven peace. Praying for you and the family. May God give you peace and comfort.
    F

  17. Danny and Charlene Hairston

    Dearest Paula and Family, we are deeply saddened to learn of “Hot Poppa’s” passing.
    On behalf of our classmates and THE STRATTON HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION,
    we are respectfully sending our heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
    Danny and Charlene Hairston

  18. Dear Bester Family, You’re Husband, Father, and Grandfather was a special person who was always willing to lead a hand. I was one of many benefactors of his kindness and will never forget his generosity or his smiling face. With blessings, and love prayers.. Make sure you look after my son (CJ).. Love always Curtis Duff

  19. Dear Bester Family, Your husband, father, grandfather, was a special person who was always willing to lead a head. I was one of many benefactors of his kindness and will never forget his generosity…With blessings and love prayers your going well missed…. Look after my son(CJ) for me grandpa, Love Curt

  20. Mr&Mrs Donald Greggs (Rhonda)

    May God wrap his arms around the family during this time of grieving Amen.

  21. Hazlett Family

    Our hearts are with the Bester Family during what is possible the hardest time for your wonderful family. His kindness really shows thru his wonderful family. Love you all

  22. Susan Bookwalter

    When I think of George, I see his great smile, and his helpful nature. He often helped me at Thomas Worthington High School whether setting up my classroom or setting up for Commencement. He and his good friend Hal always wore smiles for the students and teachers. The world is a bit sadder with the loss of George. My sincerest condolences to his loving family.

  23. Barbara A Cuthbertson

    MY HEART FELT CONDOLENCES YOUR PRECIOUS FAMILY ARE IN MY PRAYERS

  24. Barlin & Aleasia Revela

    Our heartfelt condolences are with the entire family. His presence will truly be missed by so many. Praying for you during this, your time of bereavement.

  25. My condolences in my prayers.

  26. Charlene Petties

    Praying going out to the family from the President of local 101 and the custodial staff.

  27. Judi Galasso

    My deepest condolence go out to the Bester family. I am a teacher at Thomas Worthington and worked with George for over 20 years. He was an amazing man and role model. George had an amazing way with kids. When he retired he left a void. that has never really been filled.

  28. Our sincere condolences to the entire family, prayers of peace and much love to you all.
    The Keyes & Dillard family

  29. Chentrel Tatney

    Mrs. Robin, Niecy, Paula and Ma Bester, my deepest condolences and prayers goes out to the entire family. To know Pop Bester was to love him. Any time i ran into him and Ma Bester He always had something to say to brighten your day. May He Rest In Paradise

  30. My ALL time favorite custodian at Thomas Worthington! He always had time for a chat and would do almost anything I needed done. He was a man of integrity, faith and loyalty. He loved his family dearly and we talked about family a lot. My deepest sympathy to his family.

  31. Cynthia Woodfork

    Words just can’t express your loss especially someone that means so much to everyone. Dad had a huge heart and he’ll never be forgotten. To Mom, Neicey, Redd, and Stephane I love you. Prayers to the Bester Family May the Lord give you all strength, comfort and peace.
    Love Peaches

  32. To the Bester Family:
    My name is Cindy and I worked with George for 25 years at Worthington H.S. I am so sorry for your loss. George was the greatest guy and always made my day better by his friendliness and humor.
    You have my deepest sympathy.

  33. I had the pleasure of getting to know George while teaching and coaching at Thomas Worthington. I will always remember his great smile and positive attitude. We shared in the love for our Pittsburgh Steelers and I always enjoyed talking football with him as well. Keeping his dear family and friends in my prayers. George will be fondly remembered.

  34. Erik Thompson

    George was a great friend. I knew him from Worthington High school when I was a student and then again as a staff member at TWHS. We were all blessed by knowing him. He offered joy and laughter every day.

  35. Janice Dabney

    Dear Mrs. Paula and all the Bester Family:
    My heart goes out to you, praying for your peace and God’s comfort during this difficult time.
    Elder George will be greatly missed by Preshus, Ondae, Kemi, and I. As well as our Royal Kingdom Ministries Family.

  36. I’m so very sorry to learn of George’s passing. I considered him a friend while working with him at Thomas Worthington. What a wonderful, helpful, kind, and funny man. I enjoyed every interaction we had. My sincere condolences to the family.

  37. Paula and Family, I worked at Thomas Worthington with George.He was one of the most caring people I know. I see he has left you all with such Wonderful Memories as he has all of us at TWHS. My Prayers ate with you and your family…Go Steelers❗

  38. Susan Heberling

    George Bester touched so many lives at Thomas Worthington High School. The staff loved him, but so did the students who George considered his children, his family, and friends. George had a way of sharing his sweet and caring soul with anyone who needed an uplifting word or a big belly laugh. I send prayers to his family and wish you peace and comfort.

  39. Sylvia Jean collins-small

    Condolences to families. May God continue blessing all.

  40. George Caruso

    Very saddened to learn of the passing of George, I have fond memories of him from our “Old” Thomas Worthington High School days where we worked togethor for many years. He was always friendly and helpful and we had a lot of laughs along the way!… May God Bless him and his family in this time of need, …Sincerely, George Caruso.

  41. Crystin Hains

    Paula and Family, I am deeply saddened by the news of your loss. I pray that God will grant you the strength. My most sincere condolences. Crystin

  42. Barbara Armitage

    I was a teacher at TWHS and KMS and George was always so helpful, kind, cheerful, hard-working and funny. He was always nice to me and helped me on special project days. I just saw the In Memoriam in the Dispatch and am sorry I missed the online service.
    My sincere condolences for your loss of a wonderful family man.

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