William Filmore “Fil” Estes, 72, of Owensboro, went home to be with Jesus on January 6, 2026 reunited with the family members who went before him, and now rests in eternal peace. He was born April 25, 1953 in Daviess County to the late J.W. and Pauline Roberts Estes. Fil worked as a mechanic for Field Packing Company and later drove for Sara Lee. He grew up in Maceo and was a member of Maceo Baptist Church. Fil spent his life devoted to caring for others, always giving of himself and offering help to those in need. Kind, gentle, and soft-spoken, he touched the lives of everyone who knew him. He had a deep love for racing- especially NASCAR and Dale Earnhardt-and cherished the many trips he made to the Daytona 500. In the 1970s, he was proudly part of the Horns Racing Team at Kentucky Motor Speedway. He took great pride in his vehicles, especially his old purple truck, which he completely restored on his own, his Corvette, his classic cars, and his big black truck. A simple man at heart, he loved spending time with his family, wearing his flannel shirts, and later in life discovered a new joy in staying connected through Facebook.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the love of his life, Terri Bowman; a daughter, Lori Renee Estes; a sister, Mary Jo Estes Nall; uncle, Earl Estes; ex-wife, Linda Estes.
He is survived by daughters, Angela Estes Fleischmann and Christi Bowman; grandchildren, William Ryan Hunt, Lindsey Renee Estes, Savannah Leigh Estes, Chandler Ferrell Lawson (Kyle), Carleigh Paige Fleischmann, Cailyn Grace Fleischmann, Camryn Sophia Fleischmann, Carsyn Shea Fleischmann, and Skyler Stewart; great-grandchildren, August Tate Purcell, Spencer Morgan Lawson, Azalynn Montriese Estes, and Azuri Renee Estes; nieces, Melissa Ross (Rick) and their two children, Garett Ross (Libby) and their two children, Sophie Jo and Sadie Lyn and Tyler Ross (Lacey) and Paula Laurendine (Mark) and their two children, Madison and Keaton; like a daughter, Tracy King; special friend, Skyler Brown; and his beloved fur baby, Athena.
Visitation will be from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at James H. Davis Funeral Home and Crematory. There will be no service. A private family burial will be in Kelly Cemetery at a later date. The family asks that family and friends wear bright festive colors.