Thomas “Tom Dooley” Jeffrey Estes, 65, of Kings Mountain, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at the Jean Waddle Care Center, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family.
Born on December 16, 1959, in Casey County, Kentucky, Tom was the son of the late Carlos and Edna Mae Banker Estes.
A gifted carpenter and a natural storyteller, Tom spent over four decades as a self-employed craftsman, building more than homes—he built a life defined by hard work, humility, and quiet acts of kindness. The structures he created still stand throughout the region, but his lasting impact lives in the people who were fortunate enough to know him.
Tom also had a deep love for farming. Whether tending his cattle, fixing fences, or rolling hay, he found peace and purpose in working the land. Farming wasn’t just a pastime—it was an extension of his character, rooted in dedication, integrity, and connection to nature.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Tom’s greatest pride was his family. He taught his children not only how to build with their hands but how to lead with their hearts. His stories, full of warmth and wit, often changed with each telling, but the lessons they carried were timeless. Tom’s presence brought laughter, comfort, and a sense of home to everyone he met.
He was the kind of man who showed up when others needed help—quietly, reliably, without fanfare. With his tool belt in hand and a heart full of generosity, he made the world a better place, one small deed at a time.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Teresa; their children, Ashley (Brad) Neat, Lindsey (Eddie) Allen, and Sam (Grace Clements) Estes; and his five grandchildren, Blayze Neat, Arabella Neat, Ben Estes, Bailey Allen, and Brooklyn Allen. He also leaves behind two brothers, Bob (Kaye) Estes and Bill Estes; three sisters, Donna (Shawn) Westfall, Carol (Albert) Wimsatt, and Denise Spears; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends and neighbors who cherished his wisdom and steady presence.
He was preceded in death by four brothers, Jim Phelps, Jesse Estes, Howard Estes, and Teddy Phelps; and four sisters, Betty Ann Phelps Pettyjohn, Dixie Estes Anderson, Faye Estes Durham, and Betty Sue Estes Holt.
A funeral service honoring Tom’s life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, June 6, 2025, at McKinney-Brown Funeral Home, with Bro. Linville Hatter and Randy Watts officiating. He will be laid to rest at Middleburg Cemetery.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, June 5, from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M., and again on Friday from 12:00 P.M. until the service begins at 2:00 P.M., at McKinney-Brown Funeral Home.
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