William Shane Hester, age 62, of Clarkesville, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026. 

Born in Gainesville on May 31, 1963, he was the son of the late John Hester and Mary Frances King Kinsey.

Shane was a proud graduate of Johnson High School, Class of 1982, and later graduated from North Georgia Technical College. He faithfully served his country in the United States Army, a service that reflected his strong sense of duty and patriotism. Throughout his working years, Shane held many positions and built countless friendships along the way, with the last several years of his career spent working with Fieldale Farms Corporation.

Shane had a deep love for the outdoors and found joy in camping, spending time on the lake, and embracing the simple pleasures of nature. He also enjoyed motorcycles and cars, passions that brought him much happiness over the years. Above all else, however, Shane’s greatest joy in life was his family. He treasured being a father and was especially proud to be known as “Papa Shane” to his beloved grandchildren, who held a very special place in his heart.

Survivors include his children and their spouses, Nikki Hester & Tim Parker, Leann & Shane Strickland, Brandon & Elizabeth Hester, Shauna Arrowood, and Vada Irvin; sisters and brothers-in-law, Hope & Greg Kelley and Sherry & Justin Savage; brother and sister-in-law, Shawn & Lilly Hester; adopted siblings and their spouses, Hope & Tyler Gee and Lily & Nolden Johnson; grandchildren, Kyla & Bentley Strickland, Dylan & Jonathan Thompson, and Brooklyn, Blake, & Tristan Hester; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who will cherish his memory forever.

A celebration of Shane’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Liberty Hill Church, 2894 Liberty Hill Road, Eastanollee, Georgia 30538, with Pastor Cody Kelley officiating.

An online guest registry is available for the Hester family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home, (706) 778-8668, is in charge of arrangements.