Herman Lester McLain of Carrollton, Georgia peacefully departed this life while surrounded by family at his home on May 8, 2018. He was born in Clay County, Alabama on April 11, 1932 to Burl Mentry McLain and Estella Bolt McLain. In 1943, his family moved to Carroll County where Lester attended school. In 1950, he graduated from Villa Rica High School where he was a member of the basketball team.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Sybil Brown McLain, brothers Theron McLain, Boyce McLain, Burl McLain, Curtis McLain, a baby sister, and step-son-in-law, Douglas Crawford.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Wingo McLain, to whom he was married on August 24, 1996. He is also survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Stephen (Sarah) McLain of Americus, Ken (Robin) McLain of Lawrenceville, Mark McLain of McDonough and Patty McLain of Newnan; step-daughters, Dr. Ronee Griffith of Atlanta and Sheryl Crawford of Carrollton; eight grandchildren, DeShayne (Mike) Silvey, Ryan (Taylor) McLain, Duane (Dr. Rachel) McLain, Grant McLain, Devon (Dr. Michael) Pattillo, Patrick (Lindsay) McLain, Matthew McLain, Luke McLain; brother, Raybon McLain and sister, Ruth Rooks, both of Newnan. He is also survived by five step-grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lester served his country during the Korean War as a Sargent (E5) in the 8th Infantry Division Unit. He saw active duty on the 38th parallel and earned the Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct Medal and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. After honorable discharge from the Army, he worked in the printing business for 35 years and retired from Graphic Art Services in Marietta.
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Lester was an avid golfer and fisherman. He enjoyed watching college football and basketball, especially Georgia and Auburn games. He loved working in his yard and garden, and helped his family members with their yards and farm chores and cared for their horses. And he really loved eating fried catfish and hushpuppies!

A memorial service will be held at Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel in Carrollton at 3 pm on Friday, May 11, 2018 with Minister Allen Howard officiating. Music will be rendered by Debbie Bailey. Inurnment will follow at Meadowbrook Memory Gardens in Villa Rica with military honors presented by the American Legion Post #143. The family will receive friends at Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel on Friday from 1:00 PM until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carroll County Veterans Park Association, P.O. Box 1062, Carrollton, GA 30116

The family extends special thanks to Dr. Taylor Gordon and Dr. Marie Orig for years of special care. Tanner Hospice is greatly appreciated for the wonderful care provided over the last three weeks of his life.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel has charge of arrangements.