Havis M. Hester
PINE BLUFF — Havis M. Hester, 90, of Pine Bluff, was a selfmade, humble, Christian man, who spent his life trying to heal the physical and emotional wounds of others. He went to be with the Lord Thursday, September 21, 2023.
Havis was born April 29, 1933 in a one room house in South Arkansas, son of Haley M. and Ruby Bell Heird Hester. After coming from a poor household, he left home at the age of 16 to go to work and live temporarily at Davis Hospital. As an orderly, Havis gained a reputation for helping patients through what he saw as a true ministry. While he never went to medical school for financial reasons, Havis was a vital part of Davis Hospital during his 20 years there. Havis was later mentored by Dr. Frank Reed, the Jefferson County Coroner, from 1952 until 1970. When Dr. Reed decided to retire, Havis ran unopposed and became the Jefferson County coroner. He was able to not only carry on Dr. Reed’s legacy but expand upon it. In 1972, Havis was appointed as an Arkansas State Deputy Medical Examiner. In 1982, he earned his Emergency Medical Technician license and later taught classes to help others become first responders. In 1984, Havis earned the distinct honor of getting forensics training from the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va. He was appointed Jefferson County Deputy Sheriff in 1988. Havis used his training to not only further his career, but to help others. He was known during his career as coroner and for his unique ability to heal the emotional trauma of families and his deputies, even after his retirement in 1998. Havis mentored countless deputy sheriffs and deputy coroners, some of whom became doctors later in life. He started a Junior Deputy program in the early 1990s to help pass his knowledge to others, and helped start the Jefferson County Drug-Free Jamboree to help young men and women get the help they needed for a better life. A devout Christian, Havis was a member of Sulphur Springs United Methodist Church. His unique ability to use his talents and his faith to help others will be missed by countless people.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Karla Venita Capalbo; several nephews, and his many rescue pets. Survivors include his devoted and loving wife, Marie Raymick Hester of Pine Bluff; daughter, Cindy Foster and her husband, Gordon, of Dallas, Texas; two grandchildren: Michael and Kevin Foster; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 26, 2023, in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson and Son, with Brother Billy Britt officiating. Interment will follow in Providence Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday evening from 5-7 p.m. at Robinson’s. Memorials may be made to the Jefferson County Humane Society, PO Box 2233, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71613, Sulphur Springs United Methodist Church, 9238 Sulphur Springs Road, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71603, or Jefferson County Sixth Division Drug Court, Jack Jones Juvenile Justice Center, 301 East Second Avenue, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71601. Online register: www.RalphRobinsonandson.com.