Dr. John Estess

1938 - 2024

Dr. John Estess 86, passed away peacefully at his cottage in Tupelo, MS on Wednesday, April 3, 2023. Born on September 10, 1938, in Hattiesburg, he lived a vibrant life and touched the lives of many people and patients along the way.

John grew up with his brother KV and his sister Carey Louise and moved around as a child living in Hattiesburg, Chattanooga, and Birmingham. After graduating from high school in Birmingham he attended Samford College. It was there while attending a Sunday church service he met his wife, Dottie.

He graduated from medical school in 1963. He served as a physician for the State Health Department and for a short time as a family physician in Florence, MS. During that time, he also served as a Captain in the National Guard, before moving to Hollandale, MS to practice in 1969.

He spent 51 years practicing and treating patients from all walks of life in Hollandale, Greenville, and Leland. He served as President of the Mississippi State Medical Association, taught Sunday school classes, and served as a Deacon in the Hollandale Baptist church. John and Dottie served as foreign Medical Missionaries, traveling several times to Honduras and to the Ukraine.

While John wasn't working early on you could find him playing Tennis and later in life playing golf or reading. John was a voracious reader and wordsmith. John cultivated lifelong friendships and would rather learn about others, rather than talk about himself. His greatest joy was spending time with family.

After retiring at the age of 83, he was the last physician in Hollandale, MS. John retired and moved to Traceway retirement home in Tupelo. John and Dottie became members of the Calvary Baptist Church of Tupelo.

John is preceded in death by his daughter Laura Elizabeth Estess. John is survived by his adoring wife Dottie, his children Dr. J. Murray Estess, (Olga Portwood Estess), Thomas C. Estess, Mary Margaret Estess Johnson (Keith Johnson), his grandchildren John Murray Estess III (Dr. Morgan Crowley Estess), Jarrett Estess, Jordan Estess, Joshua Estess, and Laura Lyle Johnson.

The family is holding a visitation on Friday, April 5, 2024, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Boone Funeral Home in Greenville, MS. There will be a graveside service on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Hollandale City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Arms of Mercy in Greenville, MS, or Methodist Senior Services Tupelo, MS.