Tom Lester, who starred as the friendly Hooterville farmhand Eb Dawson on the television show “Green Acres” has died. He was 81. Dawson died this morning (April 20, 2020) of complications from Parkinson’s disease in the Nashville home of his fiancée and long-term caregiver, Jackie Peters.

Lester pursued a career as an actor after earning degrees in chemistry and biology from the University of Mississippi en route to becoming a doctor.

Lester showed up as Eb on Petticoat Junction and The Beverly Hillbillies as well. He is believed to be the last surviving cast member on Green Acres. After the show was canceled, Lester appeared in Benji (1974), Gordy (1994) and on episodes of Marcus Welby, M.D. and Little House on the Prairie.

Born on September 23, 1938, in Laurel, Mississippi. In his later years, he spent time on his farm in Jasper County, Mississippi, where in 1997 he was a recipient of the state’s “Wildlife Farmer of the Year” award.

Survivors include his brother: Michael; great-nieces: Haleigh and McKenzie; great-great-niece: Scarlett; and great-great-nephew: Wes.