Lester Ray Dexter

Lester Ray Dexter passed away on May 18, 2026, at the age of 77. He was born on January 13,1949 to the late Lester and Cumi Hester Dexter. Ray spent many years as a heavy equipment operator. His career also included roles as a security guard, a park ranger, and he worked for the Forestry Service.  An outdoorsman, Ray had a love for hunting, fishing, and spending time in nature. In his spare time, Ray also enjoyed playing bingo. However, one of his greatest enjoyments was teaching and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his grandparents Samual Waits Dexter & Ruth Perry Dexter and  Thomas Benton Hester & Sally Francis Hester.

Ray is survived by his wife, Ella Dean Dexter, daughters, Shannon Dexter Lambert (Joe) and Tina Spencer; sons Leslie “Bubba” Dexter (Sarah), Jarred Spencer and Joe Spencer; grandchildren, Jeremey Gains, Kaitlyn Dexter, Carmen Dexter, Chandler Dexter, Brooke Dexter, Jared Spencer II, Kristy Spencer, Preston Spencer, Shamia Spencer, Carli Jo Spencer, and Brittany Spencer; 17 great grandchildren, brother, Robert Dexter (Kathy); and niece, Joscelyn Wilson.

Pallbearers include Jeremey Gaines, Carmen Dexter, Chandler Dexter Jared Spencer II, Preston Spencer, and Jason Hughes. Honorary Pallbearers include John Grady Spencer, Jimbo Lovelace, and Jessie Dexter.

Funeral Service honoring Ray will be 1pm on Thursday May 21,2026 at Ludlam Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Campground Church Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 20,2026 from 5pm until 8pm at the funeral home. Ludlam Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements

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