Sam Richard Estes

Sam "Richard" Estes passed away peacefully at his home in Maylene, Alabama on Friday, November 24, 2023 at the age of 79. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Rebecca "Becky" Hicks Estes; children, Pamela Estes Connor (John), Steven Douglas Estes (Nancy), and Michael Brent Estes (Sarah); daughter-in-law, Shalene Estes (Lee); sister, Katherine Estes Troulias; and nine grandchildren, J.C. Connor (Kara), Josh Connor, Dare Connor, Taylor Estes (Ashley), Windham Kelly, Liliana Estes-Kelly, Abigail Estes, Max Estes, and Jude Estes.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, Edmond Dan Estes and Alice Leona Doss; brother, Earl Douglas Estes; and son, Richard Scott Estes.

Richard graduated from Phillips High School in northern Birmingham, Alabama in May 1961. He served four years in the U.S. Air Force working on B-52s before graduating from Auburn University in 1969 with a degree in accounting.

Richard started his career as a CPA at Ernst & Ernst where he worked for seven years. He then began working as an Administrator at various medical centers starting at Carraway Methodist Medical Center in Birmingham. The family moved to Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, where he continued his career at White Wilson Medical Clinic and served as President of the Rotary Club, board member of the Chamber of Commerce, and enjoyed a social life with the Billy Bowlegs organization. He later served as CEO of the Naples Medical Center in Naples, Florida. He thoroughly relished his work and strived to be supportive and ready to lend a hand to his employees.

Richard enjoyed playing golf, especially with his wife and friends in Naples, as well as working crosswords, sudoku and puzzles. He also loved his grandchildren, holding them as little babies and watching them grow into young adults.

After retirement, Richard and Becky traveled the United States in their motorhome with their Persian cat, ChiTown, visiting national parks and family along the way. In 2017, they moved to Maylene to be near their youngest grandchild. They attended Community Baptist Church, enjoying fellowship in the Biscuit Buddies and Freedom Sunday school class.

The family will receive visitors from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at Community Baptist Church, 8254 Highway 17, Maylene, AL 35114, followed immediately by the memorial service at 10:30 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sam Richard Estes’ memory to the Missions Fund at Community Baptist Church. Or, give to your favorite charity.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SouthernHeritageFunerals.com for the Estes family.