The RRBA is in mourning of the sudden passing of Andrew Lester our devoted Executive Director KEELING, VA — Herman Andrew Lester II, 69, passed away on Monday, May 23, 2016, at Danville Regional Medical Center in Danville.
He was born December 2, 1946, in Danville to the late Elsie Jones Lester and the late Herman Andrew Lester. Andrew graduated from Dan River High School in 1965, where he was a starting pitcher for the baseball team. A lifelong “Hokie”, Andrew then attended Virginia Tech, receiving an undergraduate degree in Political Science. He served in the Navy, then returned to Virginia Tech to earn a graduate degree in Urban and Regional Planning.
Shortly after his time at the university, Andrew began a career as the city planner for Virginia Beach, later leaving that position to work as a certified residential appraiser for the Virginia Federal Housing Administration. After many years in Virginia Beach, Andrew returned to his roots to continue his “Andrew Lester Appraisal Services” real estate business in the Danville-Pittsylvania County region.
Later in life, Andrew found his passion in working as the Executive Director for the Roanoke River Basin Association, where his trademark wit and candor moved many to support his cause. His efforts in the task of preventing the lifting of the ban on Uranium Mining and Milling in Southside Virginia were especially significant. His dedication to the preservation of the natural resources of the entire Basin was unyielding. He was unmatched in his ability to treat everyone with modesty and respect, regardless of background or social status. He will be sorely missed.