William David Estes, Jr., age 72, left us on February 20, 2016 to go on one more trip to his beloved woods where he truly was the happiest. In his final moments he was held by his wife Claudia and his two best friends in this whole world, his sons, Gavin and Chad. We have no doubt Our Lord is with him now beckoning all the deer, turkeys, owls, eagles and all His creatures to serenade him as he takes his final journey home. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia on October 8, 1943 and moved with his family to Jacksonville, Florida when he was two years old. He graduated from Forrest High School in 1961.
During his teen years he was a volunteer fireman with the Lakeshore Volunteer Fire Department where his father was the chief. He was following in his two grandfather’s long tradition of serving in fire departments where both grandparents were fire chiefs. He learned all his life saving skills in those early days and we are proud that he saved so many lives. He was definitely the ONE TO CALL if you ever needed help of any kind. David graduated from the University of Florida and reveled in watching his Gators take on any competitor. But he warned anyone attempting to talk during the games that “THIS IS NOT A SOCIAL FUNCTION!!”
After graduating from UF he spent the next twenty years in the world of advertising in Atlanta, Tampa and North Palm Beach where his life truly epitomized the TV show “Madmen.” After retiring from advertising he and Claudia moved back home to Atlantic Beach, FL where he started his own communications business.
Retiring permanently a few years ago he enjoyed spending time with family, all his friends in the “Slackers Club,” the Beaches Business Association and, of course, all his hunting buddies in the Satilla Hunt Club of Georgia.
David is survived by his wife of 52 years, Claudia Brown Estes, son David Gavin Estes (Randee) granddaughter Shay, son Chad Darrell Estes, (Melissa) grandsons, Dane and Dax, sister, Beverly Estes Parker, many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A private celebration of David’s life will be held with close family and friends. In lieu of flowers, you may wish to contribute to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in tribute of David @ http://pulmonaryfibrosis.donorpages.com/Tribute/DavidEstes/
For friends and family who wish to share a memory or story about David, please join our Facebook group @
https://www.facebook.com/groups/celebratedavidestes/
Services under the direction and care of Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home.
June 9, 2026
