Derek Scott Estes

Derek Scott Estes, 52, of Chester, Virginia, placed his hand in Jesus' hand and walked into heaven, on Thursday, July 28, 2022. Born in Mineral Wells, TX, Derek moved to Colonial Heights, VA when he was 4 years old. Where he was affectionately known as "Nose". He was the son of Anona Hogwood and the late Robert F. Estes, Jr.

Derek was a "phone man" for Verizon for 24 years. To say he loved his job and all his coworkers is an understatement. He always said, "I never worked a day in my life because I love what I do at the phone company." His crew was his family and he loved each of them dearly. Derek was a devoted father and husband. He was an all-in family man, giving everything he had in him to his wife and children. He loved his daughter, Sydney; son, Eric; daughter, Emma; and son-in-law, Dylan with everything in him. His greatest joy was being a dance dad, football/soccer dad as well as a counsel, guide, and encourager to his children. His garage was his refuge, not only to work on vehicles and tinker around (which were some of his favorite hobbies), but also to hang out and talk about life with his children, or anyone who needed a dad/friend to lean on during rough times. He loved watching his children grow, learn, and accomplish their goals. He actively participated in all their activities, school events, and projects, and loved hanging out with them and their friends. He was the "go to" dad for both good and bad days. He always gave the best hugs that would put all your broken pieces back together.

His mission in life was mentoring young folks through coaching. He coached soccer and flag football, and assisted coaching Thomas Dale High School's football kickers. His view was to coach the whole person, not just teach them skills. He understood sports was more about life than just playing a game. He wanted the young folks to grow, succeed, and never give up on moving forward on whatever path God had laid out for them. For him, strong values, hard work, and a team mentality were the keys to success. Some of his sayings that he used were; "stay in the game," "get out of your head," "give me two steps," "go after it on the field," and "use your head for more than just a hat rack."

Derek had a quick wit and great sense of humor. He always made everyone laugh. He never met a stranger, and truly cared about each person he would meet. His claim to fame was telling stories. Whether it was reading bedtime stories or stories about his family, travels, childhood, or his job. This was one of his greatest qualities down to the very last "detail." From childhood all the way up to his last moments, every friend he had was a cherished relationship. He was always there to lend a hand or an ear to listen no matter what he was doing. He was just a phone call away. His most cherished bond was with his twin brother (Bruther), Dana. Dana was his second heartbeat and they enjoyed everything they did together. He loved his sisters and appreciated all they did to support him through the years. He adored his wife, Kathy; they were inseparable. They strived to embrace every moment of life that God gave them. Even with the onset of terminal cancer, they focused on living, laughing, and fulfilling God's mission and purpose for their marriage. One of the last things he said to her was "we made the best team."

The attribute he was most proud of was his work ethic. Which he attributed to his loving mother, Anona. He admired her greatly. He loved to travel as much as possible. His favorite memories were made on the Florida Gulf Coast and his trip to Maine. If there is one legacy Derek would want his friends and family to carry forward, it would be his faith in God. Derek's unbreakable faith and trust in our Lord's spirit, strength, love for him, and plan for his life carried him through the difficult battle he faced. He leaned on God every step of the way. We will miss our son, husband, father, brother, uncle, and most of all friend tremendously. He will always have a piece of our heart and we will always carry a piece of his with us.

Derek is survived by his mom, Anona Hogwood; wife, Kathy; daughter, Sydney Estes; son, Eric Rice; daughter, Emma Conway (Dylan); brother, Dana Estes (Betty); sister, Kimberly Estes Clements (William); sister, Debora Estes; nephew, Ethan Clements; nieces, Deana Clay and Brittney Clay; his Verizon crew (family); and many step sisters/brothers, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Robert F. Estes, Jr.; stepfather, Donald Hogwood; stepmother, Jeanette Estes; stepsister, Cheryl; stepbrother, Charlton; and stepsister, Leslie.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 6th, 2022 at J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home - Chester Chapel. A Celebration of Life will also be held at the Chester Chapel immediately following at 3:00 p.m. Following the service, the family will hold a reception at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 501 Old Town Dr., Colonial Heights, VA 23834. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Thomas Dale High School Football Team; Knight Club, Inc., Attn. Treasurer, PO Box 1156, Petersburg, VA 23804. Online condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com , where a livestream of the service will also be available.