Lester Hargrave Jr.

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On Saturday, March 6, 2021, Les Hargrave, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed on peacefully in his sleep to be with his heavenly Father.

 

Les was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, to Lester Brian Sr. and Anita Margaret Hargrave, who predeceased him. His family moved to Florida in the mid-1960s, where he graduated from Dan McCarty High School in Fort Pierce, Florida, with the class of 1962, and continued on to Indian River Community College.

 

He received his BA in Political Science from Stetson University, where he was a proud member of the Sig Ep’s and kept in touch with his fraternity brothers throughout the years. He went on to Stetson University College of Law before he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968. His 23 years of service to his country took him throughout the world, and he retired in 1992 at the rank of Lt. Colonel.

 

Les had an extraordinarily strong work ethic and went on to complete his Master of Business Administration at Northwestern State University, as well as earning his CPA license while still in the military. After retirement, he worked primarily in the field of business and accounting, rising to the top in most every career path he chose, until fully retiring in 2019.

 

Education was especially important to Les. He had a brilliant mind and enjoyed expanding his own learning, as well as teaching others as an adjunct professor for several colleges and universities and as Professor of Military Science for Marion Military Institute.

 

After relocating from Florida to Washington state, Les and Annie eventually retired to their dream home in a lovely retirement community. He enjoyed helping others and volunteered in various capacities. One of the highlights of his life was finding a whole new family, with cousins in Maine that he was unaware of – a true blessing.

 

Les will be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor. He had strong values and convictions, but took the time to listen to both sides of an issue. He always had a smile on his face, a joke, and a hug for those he cared about. One friend described him as “someone who gave the best bear hugs and was never the one to break the hug first.” And did he ever love Alabama football. Roll Tide!

 

He leaves behind his wife, Annie; his daughter, Heather (Harry); son, Brian (Lori); stepson, Jason (Keira); four grandchildren, Gavyn, Zozi, Preston and Grayson; sister, Anita (Michael); plus numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, all of whom he loved dearly and who will miss him immensely.

 

The love of his God, his family, his friends, and his beloved miniature schnauzers was unconditional. He was devastated after losing his last mini schnauzer several months ago and used to ask: “Do you really think there is a Rainbow Bridge, and will we see them again?” “Yes, sweetheart, I genuinely believe there is – and that you have already been greeted by them jumping for joy with little wet kisses when they saw you coming across the bridge.”

 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date when we can more freely gather to honor in his memory and, in keeping with his request, he will be laid to rest with full military honors at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington.

 

If you are so moved, you may donate in Les’ name to his favorite charity: “Best Friends Animal Sanctuary” in Kanab, Utah.

 

Please leave condolences or share memories and photos on the Tribute Wall to the left.

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Lester "Les" Brian Hargrave Jr.

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Lester Les Hargrave Jr. Obituary | Altogether

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Lester "Les" Brian Hargrave Jr.

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