John Nowell (“Sug”) Estes, Jr., DDS, on April 7, 2020, age 88 years, of complications from COVID-19. Dr. Estes passed away peacefully in his sleep at home with his family by his side. Dr. Estes was born on May 28, 1931 in Grenada, MS to the late John Nowell Estes, Sr. and Mildred Stevens Estes, and resided in New Orleans for the past 67 years. He attended Millsaps College, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order fraternity. Upon his graduation in 1953, Dr. Estes moved with his soon to be bride, Sara Olive Webster, to New Orleans to attend Loyola University School of Dentistry. Sug and Sara were married in New Orleans on June 16, 1955, and they remained happily married for 48 years until Sara’s passing on December 21, 2003. While a dental student at Loyola, Dr. Estes was a member of Psi Omega dental fraternity and served as President of his senior class in 1957. Sug and Sara moved to Springfield, MA where Sug was a Captain in the Air Force, serving as a dentist from 1957-1959. Dr. Estes joined the New Orleans Dental Association (“NODA”) upon returning to New Orleans in 1959, served as its President in 1973, and remained very active in both the NODA and the Louisiana Dental Association throughout his career, receiving a 50 Year Certificate from NODA in 2008. Dr. Estes practiced first with the late Dr. Harold Wirth and Dr. Frank Abadie in their downtown dental office in the Maison Blanche building. He then went into solo practice on St. Charles Avenue for most of his professional career, where he lovingly cared for much of New Orleans’ dental needs. He was such a generous soul, not just personally but professionally, and never charged out of town visitors for dental emergencies as he thought that would not be hospitable. He also treated many friends, teachers, service workers and all clergy free of charge. He merged his practice with Dr. Jonah Moore in 2001, and they moved their office to Aline Street in Uptown New Orleans, where he continued to practice part-time until his retirement in 2007. He served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trinity Episcopal School, where all four of his children and several grandchildren went to elementary school. He also served on the Board of Directors of the United Way and the Vestry of Trinity Episcopal Church where he acted as an Usher for many years. Sug was active in many Carnival organizations and greatly enjoyed serving as float sergeant for one of his parades for many years. He was particularly fond of going downtown nearly every weekday for lunch and fierce bridge games with friends. He loved hunting with his friends and his boys and grandsons, especially at Teoc–the hunting club in Mississippi founded by his father–and pheasant hunting in South Dakota. He loved to cook and loved to entertain guests for cocktails or dinner. He loved reading, and he loved Labrador retrievers, but his biggest love of all was for his family. His whole face lit up when speaking about his children and grandchildren. Sug was the epitome of a true Southern gentleman, a real gentle soul who took everything in stride, always had a smile on his face and nothing but kind words to say. Most importantly, he was kind beyond compare. He was never too busy to spend time with or help anyone, especially a child. He gave out so much unconditional love that he made you feel like you were the most important person in the world. He never let anything get him down, not lymphoma in 2014 or even COVID-19, which he valiantly fought off for 15 days, declaring on the eve of his passing, “We’ve finally won this battle. I’m over this virus. I just need to get my strength back.” Then he closed his eyes and drifted peacefully off to sleep with the sweetest smile on his face to be with Sara in Heaven. He was loved, admired, respected and adored by all who had the privilege of knowing him, especially his children and grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all. Survived by his four children, John Nowell Estes III of Falls Church, VA, Howard Mitchell Estes (Peggy) of Douglasville, GA, Michael Webster Estes and Carrie Dexter Estes both of New Orleans, LA; and nine grandchildren who affectionately called him “Suggie”, Rebecca Gwynne Estes Goldstein (Jason), John Nowell Estes IV, Emma Abigail Estes, Nathaniel Lucas Estes, Lane Brandon Estes, Chauncey Lake Royster IV, Parker Abee Royster, Duncan Henry Royster and Sara Claire Royster. Sug is also survived by his aunt, Sara Jacqueline Stevens (“Jackie”) Hall of Birmingham, AL; eight cousins; 19 nieces and nephews; many great-nieces and nephews; dear friend Susie Bumpas; and countless friends of all ages. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his loving wife, Sara Webster Estes, and his sister, Carolyn Estes Sonnier. The family wishes to express special gratitude to his physician, Dr. Sandra Kemmerly, for caring for him so well over the years and especially during his last few weeks, Dr. Mignonne Mary for giving it her all during his last two weeks, and Michele Colbert for giving him such loving care at home. A Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s COVID-19 Response Fund, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Trinity Episcopal Church or the charity of your choice. LAKELAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com
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