Lee "LD" Estes
March 9, 1926 ~ April 10, 2026
Born in:
Waverly, Tennessee
Resided in:
West Nashville, Tennessee
Mr. Lee “LD” Estes- Age 100, beloved lifelong pioneer in our West Nashville community, passed from this life on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Tennessee Veterans Home in Murfreesboro, just one month after celebrating his 100th birthday.
He enlisted in the Army and served during WWII. He served on the USS Mayo and witnessed the atomic plume in Japan. Following his military service, he graduated from Cohn High School in 1946. He went on to build a remarkable career with Genesco, where he dedicated over 50 years of service before retiring.
As the oldest of six children, he grew up in a hardworking family that owned and operated two grocery stores in The Nations neighborhood. Deeply committed to his community, he coached women’s basketball and served as a referee at St. Luke’s Community House. He was also a devoted volunteer there, teaching arts and crafts classes and giving generously of his time to support others.
In recognition of his lasting contributions, he was selected by the council to represent the St. Luke’s community group in the famous mural painted on the old Silo in May 2017. After the closure of H&H Market, he became a familiar and beloved presence at the 51st Deli, where he formed friendships with countless individuals—both famous and infamous alike.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Jones Estes.
He is survived by his daughter, JoAnn Bellar Rountree (Jack); son, David Estes (Linda); grandchildren, Jennifer Watson (Jon), Julee Bellar, Mary “Maggie” Leinard (John), Catherine Estes, Alison Sanders (Gary), Chris (Topher) Jennings; sister-in-law, Joyce Estes, numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and close family friends and other family members.
A public visitation with the Estes family will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm, at Western Hills Church, located at 7565 Charlotte Pike. A private family only graveside with military honors will be held at Middle TN Veterans Cemetery on McCrory Lane.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged to the Veterans Home in Murfreesboro, Activity Center (345 Compton Road, Murfreesboro, TN 37130)
Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, 6949 Charlotte Pike, Suite 104 (615) 857-9955. We are proud to be West Nashville & Bellevue’s only locally owned and operated burial & cremation provider.
Services
Public Visitation: April 23, 2026 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
So Sorry 😔
God Speed Mr Estes. You can finally Rest In Peace now.
West Nashville just won’t be the same without you. Thank you for your service, your family’s love and support for our Old Nashville community where we all knew one another, all of our old ways, and just plain for being a good man.
May God Bless All of the hearts that you and your family have touched over the years.
You’ll Always Be Remembered.
With heartfelt memories,
Terry Clouse Phipps
Cohn High Alumnus 1980
Mr. Estes was one of those rare people whose impact reached far beyond his own life. I had the privilege of knowing him during my time on Metro Council, and I will never forget the joy and pride he and his family felt when he was chosen to be the face of the silo mural. What started as a public art project became something much bigger—he became “the silo man,” a symbol of the heart of our community. That moment didn’t just transform a structure; it brought people together and gave our neighborhood a sense of identity and pride that still lives on.
But what made Mr. Estes truly special wasn’t the mural—it was the life behind it. He was a genuinely kind, humble, and giving man who quietly did the work that matters most: caring for others, especially those in need. He lived a life of purpose and integrity, and that legacy is far more lasting than any paint on a wall. My deepest respect goes to his family, who shared him with all of us. He will always be part of this community—in spirit, in memory, and yes, on that silo watching over us.
Rest in Peace L.D., Rest in Peace…
Barb Schindler
His life long journey surely provided so many memories for us all.
It’s a fact that, everyone he met, he left his mark … I am honored to say he was my Uncle.
God Bless your soul, L.D. Rest in everlasting Peace.
We have another angel watching over us.
Our Love & Blessings,
Dale, Peggy, Dustan, Grace, & Lily
Have fun doing cross word puzzles with God, enjoyed times we spent with Mr L D Roger and Patty Hunt