Businessman and investor George Lester died Jan. 31, leaving behind a legacy of service to the Martinsville and Henry County community. He was 85.
Born April 4, 1939, Lester was the youngest child of George Tilden Lester, the founder of Martinsville-based Lester Group, which has diverse holdings, including in real estate and lumber products. George Lester II became president of Lester Development Corp. in 1975, and in 1983, he was named CEO and president of The Lester Group.
In his decades-spanning career, Lester supported numerous nonprofit and business groups across the region. Those who knew him describe a man with a proactive attitude.
“George was an incredibly energetic man and truly a visionary,” said current Lester CEO Jay Dickens. “He had a very strong entrepreneurial spirit. He was completely dedicated to The Lester Group and believed that our employees are all part of a family.”
Jim Adams, chairman of the Henry County Board of Supervisors, touted Lester’s work advancing the area’s business interests.
“Mr. Lester played an important role in the development of Martinsville and Henry County,” he said. “His role in business and economic development was significant, and he will be remembered for his impact on our community.”
Lester served as chairman of the Martinsville/Henry County Chamber of Commerce and the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation. He has led groups, including the Independent Builders Supply Association, the Virginia Forest Association and the Virginia Building Materials Association, and chaired the National Lumber and Building Materials Dealers Association.
“Mr. Lester has been a long-term supporter of the Martinsville/Henry County Chamber and the Chamber’s Partnership for Economic Growth,” said chamber President Brenell Thomas. Local businesses were happy to join the chamber with Lester at the helm, she said. “His impact has been tremendous.”
The renovation of the Clock Tower at the Commonwealth Centre remains one of Lester’s most visible projects. The building was once the headquarters of Tultex and was acquired and updated by Lester Development in 2001. Dickens said George was the primary force behind the purchase and renovation of the building. Today it stands as one of the most recognizable buildings in the city limits.
More recently, officials of the proposed YMCA in Martinsville’s Uptown named the upcoming facility the Lester Family YMCA, following a $2.5 million donation from Lester.
“George was one of the Martinsville-Henry County giants,” said Brad Kinkema, CEO and executive director of the Martinsville-Henry County Family YMCA. “He is one of if not the last one of a great generation of leaders in the community. George’s impact spans decades and will be felt for many decades to come.”
Carter Bank CEO Litz Van Dyke agreed. Lester helped organize the Martinsville-based bank when it was founded in 1974 and served on its board of directors.
“George Lester’s legacy will forever be intertwined with the community,” Van Dyke said. “He will always be remembered for his sharp business acumen and his kind and generous spirit. During his 44 year tenure as a director of Carter Bank his leadership and wisdom were an integral part of making our company successful.”
In 2018, Lester retired as Lester Group’s CEO and was replaced by James O’Brien. Also retired, O’Brien now serves as co-chair of the board.
“His love of his community, The Lester Group business, and his care for all the employees was obvious to all that worked with him,” O’Brien said. “His legacy of generosity and dedication will continue to inspire us all.”
