Manuel “Tot” Hector, born on February 29, 1932, peacefully passed away surrounded by family on August 29, 2024, at the age of 92.
Born in New Iberia, LA, Manuel was the son of Lamar Smith and Bill Hector. After graduating from high school in 1949, he served in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. Following his military service, Manuel played Semi-Professional Baseball for the Negro League's Lake Charles, LA Red Sox for several years.
In 1958, Manuel met Barbara Hector at a Lake Charles Red Sox game, and they married. They had six children together. Manuel began a career with AM Multigraphics, which took him and his family to Rochester, NY, where they lived for over seven years before moving to Elgin, IL in 1968. He continued his career there for 25 years before retiring. Even after retirement, Manuel remained active, working for over 15 years with the Elgin Mental Hospital and the City of Elgin.
In his later years, Manuel enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and fishing on the lake with his close friend, Pastor Grisette. He also served as an usher at New Hope Baptist Church in Elgin, IL for over 10 years, a role he cherished.
Manuel was preceded in death by his parents, his son Randy Hector, grandson Jylan Hector, son in law Pedro Burns and his siblings, brother Robert “Bobby” Roberson and sister Dorothy Smith. He is survived by his children: Kathy (Alan) Williams of New Iberia, LA; Manuel Hector Jr. of Vacaville, CA; Nedra Faye Hector, Katira Hector, Margo (John) Davidson, and Dionne (Myko) Hector, all of Elgin, IL. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Taniqua Williams, Jamal (Cheryl) Hector, Juli Watson, Jeni Hector, Melissa (Darrell) White, Jerrod Hector, John Davidson Jr., DeLise (Keith) Davis, Jamarica (Justin) Giles, Jordan Davidson, Ember (Steve) Dieckhaus; 26 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He was cherished and admired by numerous nieces and nephews from California, Louisiana, Texas, and of course, here in Elgin, IL. Fondly known as “The Grey Fox,” he will always be loved and respected.
Manuel Hector leaves behind a legacy of love and respect that transcends bloodlines. He was a remarkable man who will be deeply missed. May he rest in peace, knowing he completed his earthly journey with grace.
Visitation shall be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00, Friday, September 6, 2024 at Second Baptist Church, Elgin with Pastor Barry L. Jones, New Hope Baptist Church, officiating. Burial shall follow at the Bluff City Cemetery, Elgin. Manuel “Tot” Hector, born on February 29, 1932, peacefully passed away surrounded by family on August 29, 2024, at the age of 92.
Born in New Iberia, LA, Manuel was the son of Lamar Smith and Bill Hector. After graduating from high school in 1949, he served in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. Following his military service, Manuel played Semi-Professional Baseball for the Negro League's Lake Charles, LA Red Sox for several years.
In 1958, Manuel met Barbara Hector at a Lake Charles Red Sox game, and they married. They had six children together. Manuel began a career with AM Multigraphics, which took him and his family to Rochester, NY, where they lived for over seven years before moving to Elgin, IL in 1968. He continued his career there for 25 years before retiring. Even after retirement, Manuel remained active, working for over 15 years with the Elgin Mental Hospital and the City of Elgin.
In his later years, Manuel enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and fishing on the lake with his close friend, Pastor Grisette. He also served as an usher at New Hope Baptist Church in Elgin, IL for over 10 years, a role he cherished.
Manuel was preceded in death by his parents, his son Randy Hector, grandson Jylan Hector, son in law Pedro Burns and his siblings, brother Robert “Bobby” Roberson and sister Dorothy Smith. He is survived by his children: Kathy (Alan) Williams of New Iberia, LA; Manuel Hector Jr. of Vacaville, CA; Nedra Faye Hector, Katira Hector, Margo (John) Davidson, and Dionne (Myko) Hector, all of Elgin, IL. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Taniqua Williams, Jamal (Cheryl) Hector, Juli Watson, Jeni Hector, Melissa (Darrell) White, Jerrod Hector, John Davidson Jr., DeLise (Keith) Davis, Jamarica (Justin) Giles, Jordan Davidson, Ember (Steve) Dieckhaus; 26 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He was cherished and admired by numerous nieces and nephews from California, Louisiana, Texas, and of course, here in Elgin, IL. Fondly known as “The Grey Fox,” he will always be loved and respected.
Manuel Hector leaves behind a legacy of love and respect that transcends bloodlines. He was a remarkable man who will be deeply missed. May he rest in peace, knowing he completed his earthly journey with grace.
Visitation shall be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00, Friday, September 6, 2024 at Second Baptist Church, Elgin with Pastor Barry L. Jones, New Hope Baptist Church, officiating. Burial shall follow at the Bluff City Cemetery, Elgin.
He was the best father in the world to me. Continue To rest In God arms. Rest in peace. Love and miss you. Until we meet again.
MANUEL HECTOR SR WAS THE GREATEST FATHER , GRANDPA , AND BEST GREAT GRANDPA HE LOVED EVERYONE , HIS SMILE WILL SHINE FROM HEAVEN HE GAVE MY SONS THE FOUNDATION TO BE A STRONG MEN AND RESPECT OTHERS. HE STARTED THE JORDAN SHOE BUYING FOR HIS GRANDKIDS ,,ALL THEY HAD TO SAY WAS GRANDPA DROP DATE IS ON HE WOULD BE THERE MAKING SURE HIS GRANDKIDS GOT THEM SHOES, HE WAS ALWAYS THERE FOR EVERY FOOOTBALL ,BASKETBALL , TRACK RACE AND BASEBALL GAME STANDING THERE CHEERING FOR HIS GRANDKIDS .WE WAS BLESSED TO HAVE MANUEL HECTOR SR TO BE OUR DAD..I KNOW YOU ARE IN HEAVEN WITH YOUR GRANDSON JYLAN SHAQ HECTOR YOUR BIG BABE AND YOUR SON RANDY HECTOR I MISS YOU SO MUCH DAD KEEP WATCHING OVER THE FAMILY UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN LOVE YOU ALWAYS YOUR BESTY NEDRA FAYE