Thomas “Tom Dooley” Jeffrey Estes, aged 65, of Kings Mountain, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at the Jean Waddle Care Center, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family. Tom’s passing marks the end of a life deeply woven into the fabric of his community, a life marked by hard work, kindness, and unwavering dedication to family and craft.
Born on December 16, 1959, in Casey County, Kentucky, Tom was the son of the late Carlos and Edna Mae Banker Estes. From a young age, Tom demonstrated a natural gift for carpentry, which blossomed into a lifelong vocation and passion. Over more than four decades, Tom’s craftsmanship graced numerous homes throughout the region. But his legacy extends far beyond the physical structures he built. Tom was a man who built lives — not just with timber and nails, but with humility, generosity, and a steady hand.
Carpentry was more than a profession to Tom; it was a form of storytelling and connection. Every piece he crafted held a story, every home a testament to his skill and care. His clients and neighbors often spoke of his patient guidance, his calm demeanor, and his ability to bring warmth and reliability to any project. Tom’s work ethic was legendary, but it was his heart that left the deepest impression.
Alongside his talents as a craftsman, Tom held a deep and abiding love for farming. Whether tending to his cattle, repairing fences, or rolling hay under the wide open sky, he found solace and satisfaction in the rhythms of rural life. To Tom, farming was more than a task — it was a way of life that connected him to the land, to tradition, and to his family’s heritage. His hands, calloused from years of labor, were gentle with the animals he cared for, and strong enough to handle the demands of the farm.
Tom’s greatest pride and joy, however, was his family. A devoted husband for 42 years, Tom shared a loving partnership with his wife Teresa. Together, they raised three children — Ashley (married to Brad Neat), Lindsey (married to Eddie Allen), and Sam (married to Grace Clements). His role as a grandfather brought new light into his life, with five grandchildren — Blayze Neat, Arabella Neat, Ben Estes, Bailey Allen, and Brooklyn Allen — who will carry forward his legacy of kindness and strength.
Family members recount Tom as a mentor who taught not only the trade of carpentry but the virtues of integrity, patience, and generosity. His stories, often filled with wit and warmth, served as life lessons that evolved with each retelling. Those who knew him remember the comforting presence he provided — a man who showed up without fanfare whenever someone needed help, armed with his trusty tool belt and a generous spirit.
Beyond family, Tom was a pillar in his community. His brothers Bob (with wife Kaye) and Bill Estes, along with his sisters Donna (married to Shawn Westfall), Carol (married to Albert Wimsatt), and Denise Spears, will carry on the family’s legacy alongside numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends. 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.
Tom’s impact on those around him is evident in the stories shared by neighbors and friends. He was a man who brought stability, laughter, and strength to his community. His absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege to know him.
Funeral services to honor Tom’s life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, June 6, 2025, at McKinney-Brown Funeral Home, officiated by Bro. Linville Hatter and Randy Watts. He will be laid to rest at Middleburg Cemetery, a place where many family members have found their final resting place.
Visitation hours are scheduled for Thursday, June 5, from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M., and again on Friday, June 6, from 12:00 P.M. until the service begins, both at McKinney-Brown Funeral Home.
The family extends their deepest thanks for the outpouring of support and love during this difficult time. In remembering Tom, we celebrate a life built on steadfast devotion, skilled hands, and an open heart. His legacy will continue to inspire the community and family alike for generations to come.
Tom Dooley Estes lived a life of quiet dignity, a testament to the power of kindness, hard work, and family. May he rest in peace, knowing his mark on this world is eternal in the lives he touched.
