Thomas J. "Tom Dooley" Estes

Thomas “Tom Dooley” Jeffrey Estes, 65, of Kings Mountain, passed away peacefully at the Jean Waddle Care Center on Sunday, June 1, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on December 16, 1959, in Casey County, Kentucky, he was a son of the late Carlos and Edna Mae Banker Estes.

A skilled carpenter by trade and a storyteller by heart, Tom built more than just homes—he built a life grounded in hard work, deep love, and quiet generosity. Self-employed for over 40 years, Tom’s craftsmanship can be found in the beams and porches of houses scattered across the area, but his true legacy lives in the people whose lives he touched.

Beyond the job site, Tom was also a farmer at heart. Whether it was tending to his herd of cows, fixing fences, or rolling hay, he found peace in the land and enjoyed every moment. Farming wasn’t just a hobby- it was a way for him to stay connected to the rhythm of life, to hard work, and to the values he held dear.

Tom was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His family was his foundation, the center of everything he did. He taught his children how to swing a hammer, tell a good story, and lend a hand without expecting anything in return. His laughter filled every room, his stories never quite the same twice, and his heart always had room for one more.

Tom was the first to show up with a tool belt when a neighbor needed help, and the last to leave until the job was done. He never sought the spotlight, but in quiet ways, he made the world better—one act of kindness, one project, one story at a time.

He built with his hands, loved with his whole heart, and lived a life worth remembering.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Teresa; their three children, Ashley (and Brad) Neat, Lindsey (and Eddie) Allen, and Sam (and Grace Clements) Estes; five grandchildren, Blayze Neat, Arabella Neat, Ben Estes, Bailey Allen, and Brooklyn Allen; two brothers, Bob (and Kaye) Estes, and Bill Estes; three sisters, Donna (and Shawn) Westfall, Carol (and Albert) Wimsatt, and Denise Spears; a host of nieces and nephews; and a wide circle of friends and neighbors who will miss his steady presence and wisdom.

He is 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.

The memorial service 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. Burial will follow in Middleburg Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. on Thursday, June 5, 2025, and from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Friday, June 6, 2025, at McKinney-Brown Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Walltown Christian Church and/or the Jay Price Scholarship Fund (Casey County Bank).

Arrangements for Mr. Tom Estes are entrusted to McKinney-Brown Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.mckinneybrown.com.