George W. Lester II, a respected business leader and longtime executive in the building materials and real estate industries, passed away Friday morning.
He was 84 years old.
Lester’s career spanned decades, marked by his dedication to both business and community development.
A Cum Laude graduate in industrial engineering from North Carolina State University, Lester joined The Lester Group, Inc. in 1957, eventually serving as President and CEO from 1983 until 2019, when he transitioned to Co-Chairman of the Board.
His leadership at The Lester Group, a key player in the building materials industry, helped shape the company into a significant force in the region.
In addition to his role at The Lester Group, Lester led Lester Development
Corporation as President since 1975, overseeing various projects that contributed to the growth of Martinsville and Henry County. His influence extended well beyond the corporate world, as he was deeply committed to the economic development of the region.
Lester held leadership positions in several local and state organizations throughout his life.
He was a past chairman of the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Martinsville & Henry County, and the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation.
His commitment to the community also included serving as past president of the Independent Builder’s Supply Association, the Virginia Forest Association, and the Virginia Building Materials Association.
Beyond his work in building materials and development, Lester was a key player in the creation of Carter Bank and retired from its Board of Directors. He also chaired Safety/Link, Inc., an organization advocating for the construction of I-73, which remains a significant project for regional transportation.
Lester’s contributions to the building materials, forest product manufacturing, land conservation, and real estate development industries were wide-ranging, and his impact on Martinsville and Henry County’s growth was profound.
His leadership and vision will be remembered by those who worked with him over the years.
He is survived by his wife and their five children, who were a central part of his life and legacy. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Lester’s passing marks the end of an era for The Lester Group and the community of Martinsville and Henry County.
He leaves behind a lasting legacy of hard work, dedication to local development, and a commitment to making his community a better place for future generations.