Obituary of Samuel Andrew Hester

Samuel “Sonny” Hester passed away May 10, 2022. Born March 10, 1951 in Baltimore, MD he was the son of the late Clarence Judson and Irene Charlow Hester. He was a star athlete and played baseball, basketball, hockey, and lacrosse in high school. Sonny moved to Tampa in 1969 to play baseball for the University of Tampa. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science from UT and a Master of Science from Nova University. Sonny married Pixie Linton Hester in 1972 and started work at Jesuit High School as the baseball coach and PE teacher. During his 25 years at Jesuit, he was a baseball coach, football coach, tennis chaperone, assistant principal of discipline and athletic director. He was an assistant principal at Brandon High School for 2 years and the Associate Director at the FHSAA for 7 years. Sonny was raised in the Jewish faith but in 1971 accepted Jesus as his Savior. He was a member of Bell Shoals Baptist Church where he taught children’s bible fellowship, served as a camp counselor for children and youth camps, helped lead kids’ worship, and participated in several mission trips, including recent trips to Peru. He touched the lives of many people, but he had a special heart for children. He enjoyed playing golf, cooking, traveling, and being with family and friends. Sonny is survived by his wife of 49+ years, Pixie Hester; son Benjamin and his wife, Micah; grandchildren: Christopher (20), Heidi (13), Mollie (11); daughter, Sarah Hester; brother-in-law Ronnie Linton (Olivia); mother-in-law Anita Linton and several nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held at 11:00 AM with a Celebration of Life for Samuel “Sonny” Hester will be at 12:00PM Wednesday, May 18th at Bell Shoals Baptist Church, 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. Brandon, Fl. 33511. In lieu of flowers the family would be honored that donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse in memory of Samuel “Sonny” Hester. http://www.samaritanspurse.org For those unable to join the service in person, or who would like to view at a later time, you may visit the Live Stream at: https://www.facebook.com/BellShoalsCare/