Paul Estes

Paul Estes, age 91, of Williamsburg, KY., passed away Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at Williamsburg Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Paul was born in Pleasant View, KY on October 8, 1931 to Oscar and Goldia (Lambdin) Estes, the second of seven children.
Paul served his country in the Air Force from 1950 to 1954, spending most of this time in Alaska as a member of the Strategic Air Command during the Korean Conflict.
Afterward Paul attended Cumberland College and the University of Kentucky. He then spent 15 years working for United Airlines in Detroit, Buffalo and New York City from 1957 to 1972.
Paul moved his family to Williamsburg in 1972 and he and his wife Theresa owned and operated a Montgomery Ward catalog store and Estes Furniture Sales. In 1977 Paul was appointed mayor of Williamsburg and was elected mayor twice after his initial appointment. He subsequently served six terms as a Williamsburg city council person. In 2004 he was again asked to serve as interim mayor. In total he served the city of Williamsburg for over 21 years.
In 1980, Paul and his wife Theresa purchased radio station WEZJ-AM. In 1990 they started WEZJ-FM and in 1997 they purchased WEKX-FM. Paul, along with his wife Theresa also owned and operated local television station cable Channel 3 for nine years. Paul and Theresa hosted the popular morning Livewire Show on WEZJ-AM for over 20 years. Paul also broadcast election returns with his son David Paul for over 30 years.
Paul served as deacon and trustee of First Baptist Church Williamsburg for over 40 years. He has served on the Board of Trustees of University of the Cumberlands (Cumberland College) since 1975. Paul served as a member and chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Williamsburg for 20 Years, and as a member of the Advisory Board of Directors for Community Trust Bank for over 20 years.
Paul served for four years as a member of the 34th Judicial District Nominating Committee. He is past president of the Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce, past president of the Williamsburg Rotary Club, past chairman of the Williamsburg Whitley Industrial Foundation, a founding member of Williamsburg Old Fashion Trading Days, a past member of the Cumberland Valley Area Development Board and past member of the Bell-Whitley Community Action Agency. In 2006, Paul was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Laws from University of the Cumberlands.
More than anything though, Paul enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Oscar Estes and Goldia Estes Capps, Paul was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Estes; sisters, Doris Centers, Ruth Capps and Shirley Lancaster; and his stepfather Whyte Capps.
Paul is survived by his faithful and loving wife of 62 years, Theresa (Banich) Estes of Williamsburg, KY; daughter, Paula Jean Trickett (Dennis) of Williamsburg, KY; son, David Paul Estes (Stacey) of Williamsburg, KY; four grandchildren, Allison Marie Adair (David Skylan Chester) of Richmond, VA, Abigale Estes Logan (Keaton), Jackson Paul Estes, Grayson Taylor Estes, all of Williamsburg, KY; step-granddaughter, Sara Trickett Cruz (Manuel) of Alvin, TX; step-grandson Christopher Matthew Trickett (Lisa) of Colorado Springs, CO; two great-grandchildren, Henry Paul Chester and Maxwell Skylan Chester, both of Richmond, VA; step-great-granddaughter, OliviaTesoro Cruz and step-great-grandson Tobias Emmanuel Cruz both of Alvin, TX; step-great-granddaughter Calliope Joy Trickett of Colorado Springs, CO; two sisters, Wanda Faye Ramby of Dayton, OH., and Barbara Jean Cox of Coppers Cove, TX; two special brothers-in-law, Charles D. Banich (Lori) of Oxford, FL, and James Capps of Belton, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews as well as a host of family and friends who mourn his passing.
Visitation will be from 3:00-5:00 pm, Friday, June 16, at First Baptist Church Williamsburg and funeral service will be at 5:00 pm at First Baptist Church Williamsburg.
Paul will be laid to rest in the Pleasant View Cemetery during a private burial service.
Pallbearers are Jackson Estes, Grayson Estes, Christopher Trickett, David Chester, Keaton Logan, Jason Johnston, Reg Johnston and Josh Prewitt. The Men’s Bible Class of First Baptist Church Williamsburg will serve as honorary pallbearers.
If you choose, in lieu of flowers, gifts to First Baptist Church Williamsburg, or University of the Cumberlands would be welcomed.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.