August 4, 1933 ~ November 19, 2025 (age 92)
Franklin Lester Drew, 92, of Fair Bluff, NC, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on November 19, 2025.
Lester was born on August 4, 1933 in Duford, SC to the late Robert and Golda Drew. He grew up on his family farm and after graduating high school began working for a shipyard in Norfolk, Virginia. Shortly after, he was called to serve in the army for two years and remained in the reserve for 6 more. After his service, Lester moved to Fair Bluff and began working as the parts manager at Fair Bluff Motors.
He later became a successful salesman and received several awards. He then partnered in opening the Tri-County Auto Parts store in Fair Bluff and worked there for over 30 years. Lester was a volunteer fireman with the Fair Bluff Fire Department for 20 years and also served on the town council of Fair Bluff for around 15. Briefly, Lester served his community by filling in as the temporary mayor of Fair Bluff and also as the magistrate. Lester was a member of the American Legion, served on the Lower Cape Fear Senior Advisory Board, was a board member of the Columbus County Department of Aging and performed many other civic duties. In 2023, Lester Drew was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which is the highest civilian honor awarded in the state of North Carolina.
On December 26, 1954, Lester married Clara Mae Lupo from Mullins, SC. They had three beautiful daughters and a son who passed shortly after birth. Lester attended Fair Bluff Christian Methodist Church for over 57 years and was a trustee member. At 75 years young, Lester began playing the guitar and joined Crosstalk band playing at numerous churches and community events. Lester enjoyed fishing, carpentry, playing the guitar, and you could usually hear him whistling a tune wherever he went. Lester Drew will be remembered as a kind, humble and loving family and community member. Lester is survived by his wife of 71 years, Clara Mae Drew; his children Elaine Gore and Cathy Ray; son-in-law Robert Worley; grandchildren Wyatt Wise(Dawn), Carrie Allen (Jon), and Adam Worley (Caitlin); and great grandchildren Landon and Ryland Allen, Cora Wise, Henry and Harrison Wise, and Hampton Worley. He is also survived by his sister Shirley Strickland (Donnie) and brother William Drew (Willa Mae). Lester is predeceased by his daughter Sherri Worley, infant son John Franklin Drew, and brothers RJ, Lavern, Hosea, and Carlyle Drew.
The family would like to thank the VA, Lisa Hammond, Chayle Jarvis, and the Angel Hospice House for assisting with Lester’s care over the last two years.
Services will be held at Fair Bluff Christian Methodist Church on Sunday, November 23, 2025 with visitation at 1:00 P.M. and funeral at 2:00 P.M. Burial service to follow at Powell Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Lester requested for memorials to be sent to Fair Bluff Christian Methodist Church 1030 Main Street Fair Bluff, N.C. 28439.
A service of Meares & Jones Funeral Service of Fair Bluff.
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