Gene Autry Hester, 78, of Russellville, passed away Aug. 29.

Mr. Hester was born in Franklin County and retired from Reynolds Metals Company as a furnace operator in 1995 after over 33 years of service. He was a member of Centerview Church of Christ in Russellville. A 1956 graduate of Belgreen High School, he remained an avid Belgreen Bulldog basketball fan and was honored as an inductee in the Franklin County Sports Hall of Fame. He also served as a volunteer with Frankfort Volunteer Fire Department.

Mr. Hester is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lois Ann Hester, Russellville, and by his daughter Deborah and husband Joe Glasgow, also of Russellville. Grandchildren include Cody Glasgow and Elizabeth (Tyler) Elkins and one great grandchild, Jaydon, all of Russellville. Surviving also is his sister Brenda and husband Howard James, also of Russellville, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephew.

Visitation for Mr. Hester will be Aug. 31 from 5-8 p.m at Pinkard Funeral Home, Russellville. Services will be held Sept. 1 at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Pinkard Funeral Home, Russellville. Officiating will be Bro. Gerald Ricketts and Bro. George Hutto. Burial will follow at Franklin Memory Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Steve Pounders, Jimmy Sparks, Royce Holcomb, Charles Dill, Jeffery James and Raymond Hester.

Mr. Hester was predeceased by his parents, Harvey Hester and Selma Hovater Hester, and brothers, Rogers Hester and Bobbie Hester, all of Franklin County.