Raymond J. “Ray” Estes
January 15, 1945 - December 10, 2022
Raymond J. “Ray” Estes, of Newark, DE, passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2022. He was 77.
Ray was born January 15, 1945, in Olean, NY, the son of the late Lyle and Dolores “Dolly” (Fries) Estes. Ray proudly served his country during the Vietnam War in the United States Air Force, retiring as a strategic aircraft maintenance technician after over 20 plus years of dedicated service.
Ray enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, and salmon fishing. In his younger years, Ray was an avid bowler. He loved watching the Miami Dolphins, the Chicago Cubs and Little League World Series with his cat, Patches.
In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his sister, Elaine Yeager; granddaughter, Lurae’ Henson; sons-in law, James O’Neal and Jack Caldwell; and step children, Renee Ivey and Nathan Ivey.
He is survived by his lifetime partner, Perla Ivey; daughters, Crystal (Jim) Henson, Dawn O’Neal, Renee Caldwell, and Tracy (Jeff) Robinson; brother, Bruce Estes; step children, Aimee (Todd) Hartnett and Kimberly (Bob); Sulpizi 19 grandchildren; and 6 great grandchildren.
A committal service will be held at 1 pm on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray’s memory to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 or online by clicking here.
Melanie Hale
Dear Ms Perla and family, I’m so sad to hear of the loss of your loving partner, father, grandfather and friend. Although I didn’t know you personally, I always heard of you so warmly from Aimee. He sounded like such a loving, caring man. Mr Ray, may you rest in eternal peace and wholeness, free of pain, free of medical challenges. May your family be blanketed in loving peace and comfort in their time of grief. May your memory comfort those who are grieving your loss here on earth, as they remember the man who deeply loved his family. I wish I had the words that would heal the pain of his loss, but all I can offer is my most sincere condolences and prayers for comfort in your grief. 🙏🙏🙏Rest in heaven Ray.
Trish Smith
Ray fought a long battle. Condolences to his family, especially my sister, Perla, his long time partner. She stood by him, loved him and cared for him during his long illness. Hang onto the good memories of his life.
Lawrence Halter
Pearla I’m so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Our prayers are with you and Ray. Stay strong dear sister. Love Larry & Rose