Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Det. Hester,
On today, the 27th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy-especially during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 12, 2023

I worked with George in 1987-88 at Gene's Furniture Company in Fitzgerald, GA. We delivered furniture and appliances together. He was a very good man. He was a retired Navy Chief, and he was instrumental in my decision to join the Navy. The last time I saw him was around 1995 when I was on leave and back in Ocilla visiting family. I was at a convenient store sitting in the car when he pulled up in a patrol car and got out in uniform. I said "I didn't know you became a police officer" and he replied that it was always something he wanted to do. Rest in peace, George.

Eric Roberts
Friend

April 28, 2023

Didn’t know this page existed till now. Just wanted to write I wish I could have met you. I’ve heard all the good stories of the past. Everyone misses you. Things aren’t the same without you here. Love you papa.

Jamie story
Granddaughter

December 4, 2021

Det. Hester,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Ocilla. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 12, 2021

I have no idea why I stumbled on this web site today, I was looking for state of Ga vs wayman Kelly Hester, I was remembering the struggles you saw my family and I go threw, I'm so glad you were able to see the Hester law, go into the law books, I have so much I wanna share, but I will do it in prayer, miss you daily, your son
Wayman ( Kelly ) Hester

(later)

Mama and I are still together, Robin is strong as steel, reminds me of you, Alan and Dan are still Married and very happy, our family has fallen to the way side, since you have been gone . But we all love each other, without hesitation. My babies are grown and Married, I have 2 grand children, the oldest is very smart like you papa. His name is Mason Kelly Champion, he has a little, well, not little, lol younger brother, Chandler, and he too is a true blessing, as for me, I have pretty much failed as a daddy and papa, but I continue to stay in prayer, and I hold on to Hope. Seems I'll be seeing you soon, and I'm not afraid, I'm looking forward to it..
Your son
Kelly

Capt Kelly Hester
Son

July 30, 2021

Rest in peace Detective Hester.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 27, 2021

Thank you for your service and rest in peace always knowing that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 12, 2020

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

March 3, 2018

Rest in peace.

Sgt. Jim Russo

September 12, 2016

It's been almost 20 years, not a day goes by
That I don't see u in Alan and Danny
And every time I look at my hands
I see yours.. Mama is living with me now
She is having a lot of Heath problems
So I'm taking care of her, and her me
I miss u so bad!!! I have been numb
And never wanted to face the fact you
Left me, when we were BEST FRIENDS
I MISS YOU, thank you for what
You did for me, the day u left us all,
I will never forget it.. Thank u
Papa
Your son, and best friend
Kelly Hester. I'll be 53 this year
In 36 months, I'll be your age,
I never even came close, to filling
Your shoes, please forgive me.

Captain Kelly Hester (son)
You made us all so proud

May 24, 2016

your words to me:Love is not a feeling,it is a place,I know because I live there with you

detective Ocilla Georgia
wife

September 11, 2015

I wanted to thank you for your service and tell you I had the opportunity to meet your beautiful daughter today. She has turned out to be a wonderful person and leader amongst women in our community. She shared with me what a wonderful father and husband you were and how she misses you. I felt honored to share the moment with her and I fell blessed to have met her. She is doing great things and I think she will continue to do more...God bless and may the angels smile upon you and your family.

Officer
Plantation Police Department

March 27, 2015

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 17th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 9, 2013

Darling,I have found another wonderful man,you would be glad,he takes good care of me,and he loves me.
You will always be my first love and remain in my heart forever.I have found
peace at last with Rudi,and he is a Christian also. The kids are still struggling
but,they are getting better,none of us will ever forget you and the happiness
you gave us.I know you are in your Heavenly home now,and would not want
to come back.You are with your Mama and mine and Jerry and Dot,bet you
all have a great time together.I will see you all when Jesus calls.

Bonnie Hester
wife

March 19, 2013

Rest in Peace, Detective Hester. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 1, 2012

Just now I have heard the terrible news about the tragic death of Wayman..... a great man that I was honoured to know many years ago in Italy. I am very very sorry.
I will pray for you, Wayman.
A big warm hug to your wonderful family.

Vittorio

a knower

January 3, 2012

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

October 10, 2007

Wayman,
I love the family that you left behind; you were always such a gentle friend. The most important aspect was your love for our Lord and how you shared him with others by setting the example.
I remember mostly how much you loved your family and especially Bonnie; no matter what, you are there.
Looking forward to seeing you real soon.
Hugs - Lisa

Lisa Kievit
Friend

February 13, 2007

Thank you for your sacrifice in the line of duty. Wish I could have known you-- as-- if you were anything like your daughter then I know we would have been fast friends. I lost my daddy to physical illness about 14 years ago and I still miss everything about him.
The zest for life and what you instilled in your children lives on as a testatment to your character. Rest in peace knowing that the world is still being blessed by the Hester family. I know I am certainly grateful to have met some of your family. I know you are watching over them and are proud of what they have become.
Donna Splain
Allentown, PA

Friend of George's Daughter Robin

January 23, 2007

Over a decade has passed since you were called away. You have been thought of every day by those that love you and they will continue to do so for as long as they walk this earth and will pass down stories about you to others in the family so that your memory will carry on. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

January 22, 2007

Dad, you are so greatly missed but never forgotten, I see you in your grandchildren and your childrens faces. You were my father-in-law, but you were the best father in the world, you treated me like a daughter and I am so greatful for that. I see you in my husband many times, lots of good that you taught him. I love and miss you so much. Love, Terri Hester

Terri Hester
daughter-in-law

January 7, 2007

My Dad, My Pops, My best friend...
I will see you again, so brace yourself for the biggest HUG ever!! I love you Dad..
Alan

Alan Hester (Son)

January 6, 2007

He was the love of my life.
he was my life.
the best part of me is gone.

bonnie hester
widow of officer hester

November 22, 2006

Forever Hero who will be forever missed greatly.

Dispatcher J. Black
friend

November 13, 2006

Wayman Hester was the best father, a wonderful friend, and the most trusted confidant I ever knew. I don't know of anyone who didn't look up to him. He taught us all so much. I thank him so much for the great example he was to me as well as everyone who came into his life. Not only did he have a heart of gold but he was an honest man with a good name. He served his country in the Navy for 22 years. Later in life, he joined the police department (fourth generation cop), became a detective and D.A.R.E. officer. He took up Golf and loved it.

Officer Hester's presence alone put peace in the hearts of his students. They came to my family after his death crying over losing their "Officer Hester". They wrote us letters and words of encouragement through their own tears. He was such a big influence in their young lives and they appreciated him.

The teenager who shot him was just lost and confused. My dad would have done everthing in his power to help this young boy turn his life around. He would have never wanted the end result.

Sometimes we have to take other people's situations into our own hands for the greater good. These children need so much love and direction. You don't have to be a teacher to make a difference in a young boy or girls life. But thank goodness we have them. Even the smallest jesture can make a lifelong impression on a child.

I miss my dad every day of my life and share his memories with his beautiful grandchildren he never met as often as possible.

His Daughter,
Robin Hester Story

P.S. I am so proud of you dad. My heart is with you always...

Robin Hester Story
Daughter

October 27, 2006