Russell Bryant
Estes was born in
Metcalfe
County
to the late Ralph
Estes and Ova Lee Keltner Estes on April 21, 1938, and died February 19, 2019,
at his home.
Russell graduated
in the last class to attend
Edmonton
High School
in 1956. He
continued his education, attending
Western
Kentucky
University
where he graduated with a degree in History. As someone who appreciated
education, he also attended University of Louisville Law School and
University
of
Southern Georgia
. He returned to
Western
Kentucky
University
to study statistics and real estate.
Russell worked in
marketing at Six Flags Over Georgia before returning to
Metcalfe
County
,
where he founded Estes Realty and Appraisal Company. He grew his company by
promoting the beautiful
Metcalfe
County
farmland to people outside
Kentucky
. He advertised land through Mother
Earth News and responded to each inquiry personally. The migrating people
searching for the serenity of rural life and aided by the hospitality of
Metcalfe Countians, has forever changed and enhanced the culture of the county.
Russell loved to
play tennis, a love which he shared with people of all ages by coaching,
teaching and encouraging their participation, He never missed an opportunity to
be involved with tennis, often buying rackets and paying fees, including tuition
at private camps, for any child that showed an interest in tennis. During the
spring, he could be found on the tennis court or following his "protégés" to
various tennis tournaments.
In addition to
tennis, Russell was passionate about history. He enjoyed tracing his family
heritage through generations which frequently led him to remote cemeteries
searching for the final resting places of his ancestors. He also had a passion
for preserving his family farm, passed down to him by his father and mother. He
spent countless hours cleaning and restoring the historic house located on the
farm.
Russell is survived
by many cousins and friends, who will greatly miss his wit and friendship. A
Celebration of Life will be held at
Bowling
Park
by family and
friends on March 23, 2019, at 2:00 to 4:00, with remarks to begin at 2:30
followed by a dedication of the Russell Estes Tennis Courts.
In lieu of flowers,
contributions may be made to the Metcalfe County Athletic Department for
maintenance of the Russell B. Esters Tennis Courts.