John Lester Eakes

 John Lester Eakes, 58 of Richland, GA., died Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at his residence. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Mathews Funeral Home. Mr. Jackie Smith will officiate. A graveside service will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Lagrange, NC. on Monday, February 19, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.

Lester was born in Charlotte, NC., to John Robert and Doris Moore Eakes. He graduated from Southland Academy where he played football and ran track. Lester was very athletic and held several records while at Southland. He went on to attend and graduate from Mercer University and was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. Lester enjoyed fishing and hunting but most of all he enjoyed being with his children and taking them to St. George Island. He also enjoyed cooking for anybody and everybody and was a phenomenal chef. Lester was a member of Porterfield Memorial Methodist Church. 

In addition to his parents he is survived by his children who he greatly loved, Ab and his wife Magan Eakes, Allie Eakes, Anna Eakes and Avery Eakes, a grandchild, Merritt Eakes, two sisters, Mary Scott Freeman (Lee) and Susan Leigh Anderson (Harris), two nephews, Will Freeman and Brooks Anderson, and a niece Elizabeth Hornyak. 

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Mathews Funeral Home, 3206 Gillionville Road, Albany, GA. 31721.  

Those desiring may make donation in memory of Mr. Eakes to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741 or to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York, 10306.