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Obituary: George Lester of the Lester Group

Business leader and community pillar.

2/3/2025

George Lester, the businessman and community leader who oversaw expansion of Martinsvile, Virginia-based The Lester Group while spearheading a number of high-impact community initiatives, has died.

He was 85.

Lester
George Lester, in 2017.

Under Lester’s leadership, the Lester Group expanded beyond Virginia into North Carolina and West Virginia through real estate, building materials and forest land management.

His love of his community, the Lester Group business, and his care for all the employees was obvious to all that worked with him,” stated Jim O’Brien, co-chairman of the Lester Group Board of Directors. “His legacy of generosity and dedication will continue to inspire us all."

In 2017, Lester was elected chair of the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association. At his installment ceremony, he said: “Each of us is stronger when we as an industry work together and fight for our common interests.”

Lester, the youngest of 14 children, was a lifelong resident of Martinsville-Henry County. An announcement from The Lester Group pointed to Lester’s civic contributions, including the donation of land and capital for community developments, such as the forthcoming Lester family YMCA in Uptown Martinsville. His commitment to infrastructure development was highlighted by his pivotal role in the formation of job blank in 1993 which greatly influenced the designation of I 73 through Martinsville and Henry County.

He served as past chairman of the Martinsville/Henry County Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Martinsville and Henry County, and the Martinsville/Henry County Economic Development Corporation.

George W Lester, II was more than just a businessman; he was a mentor, a community leader, and a friend to many,” said Jay Dickens, CEO of the Lester Group. “His legacy of integrity, innovation, and commitment to excellence will continue to influence today’s culture.”

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