Willie "Cookie" Edward Estes

Willie Edward “Cookie” Estes, 69, a native and a former longtime resident of Semmes, AL and Theodore, AL, and current resident, of Little Switzerland, NC, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, May 20, 2012, at his home. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Born March 14, 1943 in Semmes, AL, he was a son of the late Enoch Earl Estes and Vernice Lowery Estes. Mr. Estes was a Vietnam War veteran of the United States Marine Corp, where he served as a hand to hand combat instructor and dog handler/trainer. Upon leaving the military he joined the Mobile County Sherriff’s Department. One of his greatest achievements was becoming the first detective of Mobile County to graduate from the prestigious FBI Academy, located in Quantico, VA. Having had 35 years of decorated service, he retired as Lead Homicide Detective, fulfilling his lifelong dream; he enjoyed his retirement pension for the last 16 years, while not having to work one day for it. What many don’t know is he enjoyed junk collecting, antiquing, and most importantly piddling.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a cousin, Edith Abraham of Mesa, AZ.

Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Deborah Jackson “Debby” Estes of Little Switzerland, NC; two daughters, Shannon Estes Price and husband, Bert of Mobile, AL, and Stacy Estes Krieger and husband, Steven of Amherst, VA; four grandchildren to whom he was known as “Grumpsy”, Cypress Jade Krieger, Eli Willie Price, Steven Van Krieger, and Faith Carol Price; one brother, Donald Earl “Donnie” Estes; and one sister, Jauiece Estes Minchew “B.J.” Taylor both of Mobile, AL; special friends, Ben and Millie Huff of Little Switzerland, NC, Charlie and Janet Murphy of Spruce Pine, NC, Robert and Lynette Clarke of Mobile, AL, Doug and Nana Rowell of Little Switzerland, NC and Judy Johnston of Mobile, AL; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 PM Saturday, June 2, 2012 at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, in Mobile, AL. The family will receive friends from 1-2 PM, at the funeral home prior to the service, and at other times at the home of his daughter, Shannon Price, 12129 Potter Tract Rd. Grand Bay, AL 36541.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.