It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Christopher John “Chris” Hester on Monday, August 10, 2026, at the age of 55. Chris was born on May 16, 1971, in Anderson, IN, to John Edmond Hester, Jr. and Betty Brown Hester. He lived a life defined by love, humor, and leadership. His gregarious personality instantly made you feel like you had made a new best friend. Chris knew the name of every soccer player (over 900) in his league and had a way of making them believe they were the most talented on the field. A friend, Doug Bruce, dubbed him the “Ted Lasso of Pensacola,” and there isn’t a more fitting title.

Chris attended several schools in the Tuscaloosa/Northport, AL area and graduated from Northside High School in 1989. He continued his education at the University of Alabama and remained an enthusiastic supporter for the remainder of his life. Chris began working at the YMCA at the age of 13. The Y took him back to Indiana, to Gonzales, LA, and eventually, to Tuscaloosa again as the CEO. He moved to Pensacola, FL, and began a job with Buffalo Rock, and within a few years became the League Manager at Pensacola Youth Soccer (PYS), where he built a legacy of leadership and friendship throughout the soccer community. He loved his time at PYS, and we are truly thankful that his final years were spent at a job he loved.

Sixteen years ago, Chris sent a random Facebook message to an old high school love, Ashley, that said, “Why aren’t we friends?” Thus continued a relationship that began 20 years prior. Chris found his soulmate in Ashley and she in him. Chris was also a devoted, loving dad to five: Nathan Hester (Maria); Avery Driver (KC); Jameson “Hal” Tubbs; and twins, Emerson Frances and Anderson Burnette Hester. He loved spending time with all five kids – talking sports and statistics with the boys; sharing stories about the grandgirls with Avery; and being “film bros” with Emerson. He just wanted to be with them, to spend time doing anything together.

Chris was preceded in death by his dad, John Edmond Hester, Jr; his father-in-law, James Russell Burnette, Jr.; maternal and paternal grandparents, and brother, Brandon Black.

He is survived by his wife, Ashley Burnette Hester; his five children; his two granddaughters, Lily Lane and Rory Rose Driver; his mom and stepdad, Betty and David Black; his siblings, Cami Hester Weathers, Chandi Hester, John Edmond Hester III, and Savannah Black Appling; mother-in-law, Dee Burnette; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other family.

Chris is also survived by the board members and the families of Pensacola Youth Soccer; friends and neighbors of Gonzales, LA and the Northside community; his former wife, Tonya Tankersly; the coaches, staff, and families of Pensacola Futbol Club and Coastal Rush soccer; the Wahoos and Blue Angel soccer players over the years; the staffs of Hutto Carver, PA and Warren Averett LLC; and many more who supported Chris and his family.

Chris did not want a public service, so the family held a private gathering. Please take a moment to honor Chris by kicking around a soccer ball with your child; watching a military podcast; taking a long nap or just by loving your family whole-heartedly.