- Date Of Birth: June 11, 1931
- Date Of Death: April 28, 2018
- State: Georgia
Clarence Lemuel Estes, 86, of Newnan, GA passed away peacefully, Saturday April 28, 2018, surrounded by family.
He was born in Lagrange, GA on June 11, 1931 to Lloyd and Evelyn Estes, one of seven children. He graduated from Jordan High School in Columbus, GA in the spring of 1950. Soon after graduating high school, Clarence would begin what would become a lifelong career at Georgia Power Co. Later that summer, he married his sweetheart, Virginia Cass, also of Columbus.
In 1951, destiny was set when the couple relocated to Newnan, GA when he was offered a position at Georgia Power’s Plant Yates. It was the fertile soil of Newnan where their roots took hold and became the birthplace of their four children throughout the 1950’s. A diligent, hard worker, Clarence set out providing for his family and thrived where he was planted. Many years he worked night shifts and yet still found time for side work in automotive repair. Being mechanically inclined, inventive and industrious, it was said of him that he could fix anything.
In 1972, a job relocation moved the family to Cartersville where Clarence worked at Plant Bowen. Approximately 18 months later the family returned Newnan, the home their hearts never left. Not long after returning, they found the true meaning of home from the outpouring of support from their friends, family and church when they lost their youngest son (Robin) to cancer.
Clarence and Virginia found faith in each other and their Lord and found new joy and pride as they embraced and nurtured the arrival of new grandchildren. He became endearingly known as “Papa”, by which he was named and called by all his children and grandchildren alike.
In 1990, after 40 years of loyal service, Clarence retired from his work at Georgia Power. Explorers at heart, this new freedom afforded him and Virginia the opportunity to travel and cruise and see many places they dreamed of going. Travel was great, but his real love was his family. He dedicated these golden years unselfishly giving himself to his children and grandchildren. Additionally, he served his community through the Kiwanis Golden K Club and supported many of their programs and was a mentor in their student mentoring program.
In 2015, the Estes moved to St. Simons Island, GA, following a move by their daughter a few years earlier. He quickly endeared himself to the staff of Marshes Edge. The staff soon discovered his quick wit and mischievousness, keeping things on the light side. Clarence loved people and his values were rooted in his faith. He was one to treat everyone fairly. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Newnan. He was dearly loved by his family and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Virginia Cass Estes, 3 children, Denny Estes (Johnsie)/Newnan, Cheryl Morgan (Steve)/Atlanta, and Melanie Hatcher (Ed)/St. Simons Island, 4 grandchildren, Nicole Anderson (Yates), Robin Blake (Dwight), Melissa Barry (Trey), and Emory Hatcher III and 7 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his youngest son; Robin Estes.
