RON LESTER, BILLY BOB FROM 'VARSITY BLUES' DEAD AT 45

The man famously known for playing Billy Bob in the 1999 football flick had been hospitalized in Dallas in the USA for roughly four months. His health had been in a steady decline but turned for the worst Friday morning.

We're told Lester requested to be taken off life support and passed around 9 PM central time. His wife to be, was by his side to the last breath.

Lester -- who also appeared in battled with liver issues as far back as November. We're also told he suffered from kidney problems.

He was 45.