French J. Lester, 90 of Dayton died Friday, February 19, 2021 at his home.

Born on July 11, 1930 in Mohawk, West Virginia, French was the son of the late Adam and Lucinda Cline Lester.  He and his wife Margaret moved from Michigan back to the Rhea County community in 1975.  French was a n entrepreneur , he owned and operated the Big Orange Truck Stop and Restaurant in Evensville for many years. French was a hardworking and loving famil y man, who never met a stranger.  He was a member of the Texas Grove Baptist Church in Evensville.

French was preceded in death by his son David Lester and 14 brothers and sisters.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years Margaret F isher Lester of Dayton, son Kenny Lester and daughter Carol Ann Barron both of Dayton, brothers Herbert Lester of Virginia and Vernon Lester of Florida, sister Edith Bail e y of West Virginia, 8 grandchildren and several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

A private funeral service was held at Vaughn Funeral Home with the Rev. Norman Huskey officiating.  There was no visitation.  Interment was at the Add Smith Cemetery in Spring City.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Texas Grove Baptist Church, c/o Patty Henderson, 1127 Tom Garrison Road, Evensville, TN  37332.

Va ughn Funeral Home, Spring City is in charge of arrangements.  Please visit our website at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com to share memories and condolences with the family of French J. Lester.