Willie C. Estes Jr

Willie C. Estes, Jr., affectionately known as Will and Poppi, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, at the age of 72.

From his Kosciusko, Mississippi roots - where he was born on July 13, 1953 - he carried the core of who he was: the values, the steadiness, the way of showing up as the foundation never left him.

He was a man of many passions. A 37-year distinguished sales executive at AkzoNobel Aerospace, he was a multi-award recipient who earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike. A passionate golfer, Will celebrated his 60th birthday at the British Open. He found peace on the open road aboard his candy-apple red Goldwing. He was a lifelong learner: reading, listening to podcasts, following politics and current events, losing himself in films – all with a care and precision that revealed how deeply he cared for the world and the people in it.

In the kitchen, he was an artist. A natural gourmet chef, Will transformed cooking into communion, and he dazzled. In doing so, he always taught the many ways that food is love made visible.

His love story with Brenda Lindsay Estes began in the sky, a chance meeting on a plane that led to 23 years of marriage and a life of travel and adventure. He is survived by Brenda; his daughters, Bridgette Riley, Donyell Milton (Julius), and Nikita Estes; his bonus daughters, Tiffany Courtney (Yolanda) and Allyson Jones; his mother, Joyce Estes (the late Willie C. Estes, Sr.); his siblings, Tyrone Estes (Diane) and Linda Johnson (George); 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and his much-loved aunts and uncles, a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, coworkers, neighbors, and his beloved community.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, adventure, and the eternal joy of shared meals and memories. May his name be a blessing to all who speak and hear it.

A memorial service will be held on March 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Crowell Brothers Peachtree Chapel, where loved ones will gather to celebrate his life.

On-line condolences may be expressed at www.crowellbrothers.com. Arrangements entrusted to Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory, 5051 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. 770-448-5757.