Norwood "Norgie" Allen Hester Jr.

Norwood Allen Hester Jr., affectionately known as “Norgie” of Elizabethtown left this world on January 6, 2026, at the age of 86. Norgie was born in Bladen County on August 11, 1939, the son of the late Norwood Allen Hester Sr. and Helen Fisher Hester. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Connie VanStory.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Sherry S. Hester of the home, children Scott Hinson and wife Nicole of Wilmington, Karen Pope and husband Michael of Elizabethtown, Beverly Hardee and husband Jim of Wrightsville Beach, and Christie Gower and husband Todd of Lexington, NC. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Fisher Hardee and wife Rachel, Jackson Hardee, Joshua Pope, Joseph Pope, Georgia Smith and husband Jake, Collin Hinson, Charlotte Nye and Hailee Nye, and two great grandchildren Parker Smith and Brady Smith.

Norgie was a simple, hardworking and talented man. He had a gift of writing and was the founder of The Southeastern Times. He also wrote several published articles for Bladen Online. His passions were spent with family, sports and music. You could often find him on a golf course at least three times a week, watching his beloved UNC Tar Heels playing basketball or listening to some Bluegrass tunes. No matter where you saw him, he was always the same with that genuine smile, sense of humor and fun nature. His legacy of compassion and dedication will live on in those whose lives he touched.

The family will receive friends from 1-2 pm on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Wesley’s Chapel in Elizabethtown followed by a 2 pm Celebration of Life Service with Pastor Jonathan Hayes officiating.