Donnie Ray Estes

Donnie Estes, 75, of Eden, North Carolina, passed away on July 12, 2026, while on vacation in Maryland, where he had been spending time with his daughter and son-in-law and beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren when he became ill.

Born March 29, 1951, Donnie was the son of the late Ralph Estes Sr. and Margaret Estes, and he lived his whole life on Estes Hill in Eden, North Carolina. His love of music took root early: when Donnie was 14, his daddy bought him his first guitar on credit, and Donnie made the payments himself with money he earned playing music. That guitar was later painted by renowned instrument painter Wayne Jarrett. He went on to play in several bands, most notably the Stallions of Danville, Virginia, who opened for Alabama and Edgar Winters and once served as the backup band for George Jones.

Racing ran in his blood. His father raced on the sands of Daytona Beach before the speedway was ever built, and Donnie carried that passion forward as a dedicated NASCAR fan, crafting beautiful scale replica models of collectible cars and NASCAR drivers. He took great pride in his home as well, and was known for keeping an attractive yard. He retired from American Brands and the Rockingham County Sheriff's Department.

Above all, he treasured time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Karen Estes; his brother, Ralph Estes Jr.; his aunt, Janice Estes; daughters Becky Turner (Clay) and Lindsay Lopez (Eric); sons Robert Evans (Michelle) and Jeffrey Evans (Dane); niece Pamela Ragland and her daughter, Taylor Ragland; nephew Ryan Sommerville (Adrian); grandchildren Sierra Finley (Christopher), Christopher Turner (Samantha), Corey Evans (Chandler), Tyler Evans, and Isaac, Eli, and Noah Lopez; great-grandchildren Christopher Turner Jr., Hanalei Woodburn, and Banksy Finley; and step-great-grandchildren Matthew and Michael Grenadier.

He was preceded in death by his parents, numerous aunts and uncles, and his mother-in-law, Kathleen Varian.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Fair Funeral Home, 432 Boone Road, Eden, NC 27288, with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Entombment will follow immediately at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, 1821 Ashley Loop, Reidsville, NC 27320.