Obituary for Lester Fredric Gingold Lester Fredric Gingold, the 96 year old civic leader, legend in successful aging, and first baby born on New Year’s Day 1922 in Birmingham, Alabama, died Friday, October 5th, 2018 in Memphis, TN surrounded by his loving family. Proclaimed “Big Man On Campus” at Birmingham-Southern College, Lester graduated in 1943 with the confidence of his peers that he was destined for great things. His tour of achievements began with volunteering for the Army and serving 3 years in WWII fighting with Combat Engineers in the Engineering Technology Office (ETO).
Lester’s successful business career included 34 years as General Merchandise Manager for Sears Retail Stores in the Memphis Region, 14 years as a Scripps Howard Executive with the Commercial Appeal as Advertising Director, and 18 years as founder and publisher of the monthly news/magazine, The Best Times. Gingold led with a bold nature and an unwavering spirit that invigorated those around him. In addition to his business career, Lester was an active volunteer and civic leader for various causes: Board Chairman and President of The Memphis College of Art, the Memphis Cotton Carnival, The Better Business Bureau, The Memphis Sales Executive Club, The Advertising Federation, Les Passee, Memphis Goodwill, The March of Dimes, The American Cancer Society, and The American Heart Fund and founding board member of St. George’s School.
He served on multiple boards, including The Brooks Museum, The Economic Club, St. Mary’s Advisory Board, and The English Speaking Union. His honors were numerous: The Advertising Silver Medal, The Salvation Army’s Legends, the Hugo Dixon Award from The English Speaking Union, Delegate to the 2005 White House Conference on Aging, as well as recognition with Walter Cronkite as the oldest journalist at the Cape covering John Glenn’s 2nd space flight. Still, he proudly stated that his most significant days were spent with his family, and one of his greatest satisfactions was the success of his wife Joyce as an artist and art educator.
Constantly inspired to share personal memories and encourage others, Lester’s motivational speeches over the years included his proud recollections of meeting five American presidents, bringing the Chinese Table Tennis Team to Memphis to help in “Ping Pong Diplomacy,” negotiating the Eiffel Tower illumination in Paris to herald Memphis Carnival, visiting Lyndon Johnson in the Oval Office to invite him to Carnival, and taking exclusive photos at the scene of General Patton’s fatal car accident. Gingold, meaning “pure gold” in Russian, certainly lived a life in line with his name. A “newsmaker” for decades, Lester’s passion, determination, and unfading delight serve as an inspiration to all ages for decades to come.
In his words, “you are never too old to love, never too old to learn, and never too old to pray”. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joyce Meacham, his daughter Joy Bateman (Bill Anderson), grandchildren David Gingold Jr. (Vanessa), Mason Gingold, Anna (Ben) Wunderlich, Brown (Betsy) Burch, Cpt. William Bateman III, and Miles (Ellen) Fortas.
His great-grandchildren include Ben Wunderlich Jr., Alex Wunderlich, Bays Wunderlich, Jack Fortas, Will Fortas, and Lucille Burch. He was preceded in death by his children Marion Fortas, David Gingold, and Paul Gingold, parents Harry and Anna Gingold, as well as sister, Bernice Hirsch. The family would like to thank Nancy Adams and J.J. Raysor for their loving care.
He was a communicant at Church of The Holy Communion (Epis) and a member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrews. He regularly attended Christ United Methodist Friday morning prayer breakfast for many years. A memorial service will be at Church of The Holy Communion on Saturday October 13th, 2018 at 2 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow the service in the parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to Church of the Holy Communion. And, finally, as requested by Lester, please do something kind and unexpected for someone else. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Lester Fredric Gingold please visit our Sympathy Store.
Upcoming Events Memorial Service , OCT 13. 02:00 PM Church of the Holy Communion 4645 Walnut Grove Road Memphis, TN, US, 38117 Order Flowers for the Memorial Service Guaranteed delivery before Lester ‘s Memorial Service begins. Celebration of Life , OCT 13.
03:00 PM Church of the Holy Communion 4645 Walnut Grove Road Memphis, TN, US, 38117 Order Flowers for the Celebration of Life Guaranteed delivery before Lester ‘s Celebration of Life begins.
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