Obituary for George Donald Estes
George Donald Estes passed away on April 5, 2021. He was a lifelong resident of Tchula MS and was born on December 31, 1943. Donald graduated from Tchula High School in 1961 where he played football, basketball, and baseball. After high school Donald attended Holmes Community Collège, Delta State University, and Mississippi College where he pursued his degree in Physical Education.
In 1967 he entered the US Army and served with A Battery, 8th Battalion, 4th Field Artillery Regiment as a Field Artillery Crew Chief. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his participation in the 1968 Tet Offensive and the Vietnam War.
After returning from Vietnam Donald lived in Greenwood and in Charleston for many years prior to returning to Tchula. He worked as a Division Superintendent for Estes Refractory and Insulation in Jeanerette, Louisiana until he retired in 2017. When he wasn't working you could find Donald during hunting season at Honey Island Hunting Club and during spring and summer he was in Horseshoe lake or another body of water fishing. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who made every effort to get away so he could enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature and God's creations.
He often said the persons who played the biggest role in his life was his Grandmother, Attie Estes and his mother, Janie Palmer Estes. Every childhood story Donald told began and ended with his beloved "Momma Attie" who preceded him in death along with his Grandfather, Frank Estes of Tchula, MS, maternal grandparents George Palmer and Margie Palmer of Drew MS, his parents Ira Woodward "Woody" Estes and Janie Palmer Estes of Tchula MS, his brothers Chuck Estes, Travis "Terry" Estes, and Larry Estes.
He is survived by his daughter Tiffany Whitlock (Jeff) of Hazlehurst MS, sons Kelly Estes of Raymond MS, and Jeffrey Estes of Charleston MS, his sisters Barbara Estes Perry (Harold) of Bentonia MS, and Patsy Jackson of Texas and six grandchildren.
Southern Funeral Home, 100 Pine Street, Lexington MS has been entrusted with providing services for the family. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 9, 2021 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. followed by a service at 2:00 p.m. officiated by Reverend John Branning. Interment will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery in Tchula MS. Military Honors provided by the Mississippi Army National Guard for which the family is grateful for their participation in the services.
In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association online at www.alzheimers.org or by mail to 225 N. Michigan Avenue Chicago IL 60601 or to Pinecrest Cemetery.
A special thank you is extended to the Staff of the Mississippi Veteran's Home in Collins MS who provided the highest standard of care with heartfelt compassion to "Estes" during his time as a resident.
In 1967 he entered the US Army and served with A Battery, 8th Battalion, 4th Field Artillery Regiment as a Field Artillery Crew Chief. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his participation in the 1968 Tet Offensive and the Vietnam War.
After returning from Vietnam Donald lived in Greenwood and in Charleston for many years prior to returning to Tchula. He worked as a Division Superintendent for Estes Refractory and Insulation in Jeanerette, Louisiana until he retired in 2017. When he wasn't working you could find Donald during hunting season at Honey Island Hunting Club and during spring and summer he was in Horseshoe lake or another body of water fishing. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who made every effort to get away so he could enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature and God's creations.
He often said the persons who played the biggest role in his life was his Grandmother, Attie Estes and his mother, Janie Palmer Estes. Every childhood story Donald told began and ended with his beloved "Momma Attie" who preceded him in death along with his Grandfather, Frank Estes of Tchula, MS, maternal grandparents George Palmer and Margie Palmer of Drew MS, his parents Ira Woodward "Woody" Estes and Janie Palmer Estes of Tchula MS, his brothers Chuck Estes, Travis "Terry" Estes, and Larry Estes.
He is survived by his daughter Tiffany Whitlock (Jeff) of Hazlehurst MS, sons Kelly Estes of Raymond MS, and Jeffrey Estes of Charleston MS, his sisters Barbara Estes Perry (Harold) of Bentonia MS, and Patsy Jackson of Texas and six grandchildren.
Southern Funeral Home, 100 Pine Street, Lexington MS has been entrusted with providing services for the family. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 9, 2021 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. followed by a service at 2:00 p.m. officiated by Reverend John Branning. Interment will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery in Tchula MS. Military Honors provided by the Mississippi Army National Guard for which the family is grateful for their participation in the services.
In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association online at www.alzheimers.org or by mail to 225 N. Michigan Avenue Chicago IL 60601 or to Pinecrest Cemetery.
A special thank you is extended to the Staff of the Mississippi Veteran's Home in Collins MS who provided the highest standard of care with heartfelt compassion to "Estes" during his time as a resident.