LESTER M. HALES


ZEBULON - Lester Marlon Hales, 69, died Monday, Feb. 28, 2011. Funeral services were held Friday, March 4, at Hephzibah Baptist Church, Wendell. Entombment was in Gethsemane Memorial Gardens, Zebulon.

He was born in Durham to the late Joseph Lester and Maude Wilder Hales. He retired after 46 years as a banking officer with First Citizens Bank in the compliance division.

Surviving: wife, Elizabeth Knipe “Beth” Hales; daughters, Beth Hales Smith (Steve) of Raleigh, Leslie Hales Harper (Brian) of Brick, N.J., Traci Strickland (Glenn Jr.) of Wendell, Tricia Doyle (Glenn) of Knightdale; sister, Jean Barbour of Lakeland, Fla.; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two nephews.

 In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Hales.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to Hephzibah Baptist Church Youth Scholarship Fund, 1794 Wendell Blvd., Wendell, NC 27591.

Arrangements by L. Harold Poole Funeral Service & Crematory, Knightdale.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.poolefuneral.com under Obituaries.