Charles K. "Pete" Estes

In the early morning hours of April 1, 2006 Charles K. "Pete" Estes took his peaceful flight to God with his loving family by his side. He was born on April 12, 1934 the only child of the late Charles Henry and Dorothy Gore Estes. Mr. Estes is survived by his loving wife of fifty-one years, Betty Anne Lillard Estes; three devoted children and their spouses, Katherine Estes Baader Kilby and her husband, Dr. Walter B. Kilby, Charles Kenneth Estes and his wife, Kelly Brown Estes and M. Susan Estes Ryan and her husband, Michael R. Ryan; three cherished grandchildren, Michael Joseph Baader II, Charles Benjamin Estes and Julia Katherine Estes. He was preceded in death by his parents and his infant daughter, Anne Gore Estes. Mr. Estes was a graduate of Randolph Macon Military Academy in Front Royal, and attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Blacksburg. He served his country in the United States Army and Army Reserves from 1956 1962. Over the years, Mr. Estes was passionately committed to preserving the beauty and heritage of Rappahannock County.Since 1981, he served as a distinguished member of the Rappahannock County Board of Supervisors. Mr. Estes had the honor presiding as the Chairman of the Board from 1998 until his death. In 1962, he was appointed as sheriff of Rappahannock County, a role fulfilled until 1972. He also served Rappahannock County on the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Planning Commission, the Water and Sewer Authority and the Historical Society. Sperryville, a little village he held dear in his heart, was the only home he ever knew. He was a member of the Sperryville United Methodist Church, founding member of the Sperryville Volunteer Fire Department and served on the Sperryville Business Council and Sperryville Gateway Committee. Named the Rappahannock News' citizen of the year for 2001, he was a man of integrity. He always stood for what he believed in and never compromised his values. He was respected by both those who agreed and disagreed with him, by those who worked with him and especially by family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4 at the Sperryville United Methodist Church with interment at the Sperryville Cemetery. Family will receive friends and family at their home. Pallbearers are John W. McCarthy, Peter H. Luke, James William Fletcher III, C.B. Johnson, Jr., James Gregory Wayland, John Anthony Royston, Hubert S. Gilkey III and Thomas F. Junk. Honorary pallbearers are James E. Swindler, Sr., Michael L. Brown, J. Newbill Miller, Richie V. Burke, Randolph D. Clater, Manly J. Bruce, Mark Johnson, Ray Jackson and John S. Wimmer. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sperryville United Methodist Church, Sperryville Volunteer Rescue Squad, Sperryville Volunteer Fire Department, Washington Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad or the Rappahannock County Historical Society.