Samuel T. "Sam" Hester

Rev. Samuel Timothy Hester Sr, 68, of Live Oak, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 1st, 2026. Samuel was born in Cairo, Georgia to Charlie Lee Hester Sr and Audrey Elsie Hester. Samuel was raised in Live Oak, Florida. Samuel or better known as “Sam” was a simple country boy who loved old guitars, vintage classic cars, especially the 53’ Cadillac and log cabins. More than anything else he loved his guitars which he played often. His greatest love was to sing and minister the Gospel in the pulpit to people everywhere. Sam was a traveling evangelist for 40 years and pastored multiple churches during that time. He recorded many albums and wrote an innumerable amount of songs. This gift from God resulted in music that touched countless hearts and lives of many across this country. Every morning began with prayer and singing a song on his guitar, everything else could wait. He was a man of peace who loved to joke and laugh. His laughter was contagious and his smile lit up every room. He was a loving father and one who had unshakable trust in God. Few things ever bothered Sam. His two sons and two grandsons were the joy of his life. He deeply loved his family and his closest friends with a passion. He will be forever missed but never forgotten.

He is survived by his two sons, Samuel T Hester Jr and his wife, Nikita Hester, and Caleb Hester and his Wife, Morgan Hester, two grandsons: Brexton Hester and Kayson Hester. His nine brothers, and sisters, Charlie Hester, Jr. (Roseanna); Juliette Miller; David Hester (Pat); Harvey Hester (Katrina); Tresie Thomas; Daniel Hester (Josie); Anita Fortescue; Philip Hester (June); and Dorcas McDonald. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charlie Lee Hester Sr and Audrey Elsie Hester, and His two nieces Stephanie and Jennifer.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at Daniels Funeral Home in Live Oak, Florida, at 10 AM with the service following at 11 AM. He will be laid to rest at Live Oak City Cemetery.

Please take a moment to sign the guestbook and keep the family in your prayers.