Charley Edward Estes

Charley Edward Estes was born on December 6, 1939, in Minter City, Mississippi. He was the third of ten children born to the union of James and Thelma (Golden) Estes. He accepted Christ into his life at an early age and remained faithful throughout his life.

Charley was a fun loving, industrious and independent soul. While attending high school, he drove the local school bus and enlisted in the US Army Reserves. It was also during this same time that he met his eternal love Evelyn Marie Hoskins.

Upon graduating from high school at 17 and while awaiting his training for the US Army Reserves Charley followed his eldest sister to Chicago, Illinois. In 1959, after completing his six-month Army Reservist training at Fort Bragg in Kansas, he went back to Greenwood, Mississippi and moved his beloved Evelyn to Chicago with him…thus beginning their 33-year Chicago adventure.

On March 7, 1961, Charley and Evelyn were married. To their blessed union five beautiful daughters were born and together they would raise Evelyn‘s nephew, Charles Hoskins as their son, within one glorious family.

In 1962, Charley began his US Postal Service mail carrier career. He truly enjoyed being a mail carrier and would regale his family with stories from his route. In the early 80s, when an opportunity arose for him to utilize his entrepreneurial and many social skills, he leapt at the chance to co-own the Scorpio Bar and Lounge… a truly great time was had by all.

In 1992 after a 30 year career, Charley retired from the US Postal Service. He and Evelyn moved back “home” to Greenwood, Mississippi and supported the care for his aging parents. Retirement was a very blessed and fulfilling time of life for them.

Papa (Charley) and Grandma (Evelyn) took so much pride and joy in having their grandchildren stay with them in Greenwood each summer. They were keenly aware that it “takes a village” and had a personal and supportive relationship with each of their grandchildren.

The two greatest tragedies to befall Charley were: the September 26, 1997, death of his beloved daughter Chicago Police Officer, Audrey Estes. The pain of Audrey‘s death was only rivaled by the May 26, 2023, sudden passing of his cherished wife Evelyn Marie Estes… for which he never truly recovered.

Charley was called home on November 28, 2024, at the age of 84. God gave him his wings on Thanksgiving evening, while, at home surrounded by his family. After 18 long months, in his final Homecoming, he was finally reunited in heavenly repose with his precious Evelyn.

Charley was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years Evelyn Marie Estes, their daughter, Audrey Lynn Estes, his parents, James and Thelma Estes and his sisters Willa Mae Silbey and Maretha Johnson.

Charley is survived by his dearest daughters: Thessalonia Brown, Alice Anderson, Gwendolyn Estes-Zuehlke, Tammy Estes-Thurmond, Sharon (Devin) Carson and chosen son Charles Hoskins. His adoring twelve grandchildren: Ashley Diggins, Kyle Thurmond, Kristopher Thurmond, Devine Carson, Alexander McIntyre, Devin Carson II, Takoda Zuehlke, Calvin Brown, Jason Brown, Quintin Brown, Aja Brown, Tinese Brown, and one great grandson Karter Thurmond. His six siblings: James Estes Jr., Curtis (Sheila) Estes, Ervin (Shirley) Estes, Betty Wright, Faye (Willie Archie) Woods and Howard (Debra) Estes and, a wealth of nephews, nieces, family and friends.

Daddy will be truly missed!