Canton, NC - Our family is deeply saddened by the great loss of a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. James Douglas "Doug" Estep, 73, left his earthly home and entered into his glorious heavenly home on Monday, June 12, 2023.
His life's journey began on May 31, 1950, in Shelby, North Carolina. He was born to the late James Junior Estep and the late Janie Irene Matheny Estep. Doug was a 1968 graduate of Louisburg High School in Louisburg, North Carolina where he was a friend to everyone and held many great memories of his high school years. A proud United States Navy Veteran, Mr. Estep honorably served his country during the years of 1969-1972. His working career started in the construction industry as a helper and later he achieved the position of pipe superintendent. Doug later became president of Blue Ridge Mechanical and L&L Mechanical located in Springfield, Illinois. He had also served as vice president of both Harrellson Mechanical and Dover Insulation. Mr. Estep was also employed with IMOCO and MWM Construction and Rigging. Doug completed his working career in December 2022 as construction manager for ITAC located in New Johnsonville, Tennessee.
In keeping with his military background, Mr. Estep served as Post Commander of the Canton, NC Legion Post from 2017- 2021. Doug also served as District Commander for one year from 2021-2022.
Doug felt that his greatest achievement in life was his family, spending every day dedicated to each of them. Doug loved to travel and over the years took his family on numerous trips that resulted in fun-filled adventures and great memories. He was a committed Christian who sought to serve the Lord in all areas of his life. Over the years he served in various roles in churches including Deacon, Building and Grounds, Cook, and a committed church member. He was the example of the person that all would hope to be. He has touched the hearts of countless people and knowing Doug has been a privilege in our lives.
Surviving are his loving wife, Gail Reece Estep. They were married in 1971 and have shared a wonderful marriage together. They were blessed with two children, a daughter, Kim Smith, and her husband Tracy; a son Kris Estep and his wife Becky; 6 grandchildren, Taylor, Tucker, Josiah, Piper, Henry, and Jack; and a brother, Charles Estep, and wife, Elizabeth.
A funeral service with military honors to celebrate the life of Mr. Estep was held at 4 p.m., Friday, June 16, 2023, in the chapel of Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Officiating was Pastor Kristopher Estep and Pastor Tracy Smith. The family received friends at the funeral home from 2 - 4 p.m. prior to the funeral service. Burial followed in Riverside Cemetery, Waynesville, NC. Serving as pallbearers were, Tucker Smith, Andrew Medlin, Steve Deaver, Terry Riley, Jim McGill, and Bill Harris. Honorary pallbearers will be Henry Estep and Josiah Smith.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Heart Association, 156 Milestone Way A, Greenville, SC 29615, or National Kidney Foundation, 7413 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27615.
Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is honored to be caring for the Estep family.
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