Wendell Handley Hester

Dr. Wendell Handley Hester, 71, passed away Friday, January 9, 2015 surrounded by family at his residence in Johnson City, Tennessee. Wendell was born June 24, 1943 in Lawerenceburg, Tennessee, to William Handley Hester and Lois Bradley Hester. Leaving Lawerenceburg as a graduate of Lawrence County High School, Class of 1961, Wendell spent his next years in Miami, Florida procuring his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology in 1965 and began his lifetime passion for the University of Miami Hurricanes. He continued his educational pursuits next to Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, from 1965-1973, where he left with a Masters of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology. Wendell took his first teaching position as an Assistant Professor at Louisiana State University, where he enjoyed all the culinary and cultural aspects Louisiana had to offer. In 1975, Wendell relocated to Johnson City, Tennessee and began long residence as an Professor of Sociology at East Tennessee State University. Once in Tennessee, Wendell enjoyed a long life filled with family, friends and the Miami Hurricanes. He found passion in traveling, working with computers, reading, and supporting his daughters in their life ambitions. In his later years, he enjoyed seeing many places with his wife, Galina, and had a true love for experiencing the world. Wendell is survived by his wife, Galina Hester, daughters, Sarah Catherine Brown, Ksenia Fleener of Johnson City, Tennessee and daughter Sydney Elizabeth Hester of Nashville, Tennessee. He also leaves behind two grandchildren, Audie and Atticus Brown. A Memorial Service honoring Wendell will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 from 5-7 PM at Woodall Anderson & Dugger Funeral Home at 108 West Watagua Avenue, Johnson City, Tennessee. Visitation: Tuesday January 13 2015 - 5:00 to 7:00 PM Services: Tuesday 7:00 PM Interment: NRead Obituary