Virgil Lee Estes Jr

Virgil Lee Estes Jr., affectionately known as Lee, was a devoted father, grandfather, and friend. He passed away on December 24, 2025, at the age of 76. Born in Mendota, Illinois, Lee moved to California at the age of 8, and as his family moved between Missouri, California, and Amarillo during his youth, he developed a love for meeting people and making connections.

The family will receive guests from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia. Funeral services will take place in the funeral home's Brentwood Chapel on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 2:00 pm with Pastor Brad Newman of Tradewinds Community Church presiding. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Lee graduated from Palm Springs High School in 1968 and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from September 1969 to March 1972. He married the love of his life, Debbie, in May 1973, and they shared 46 years of laughter, love, and devotion before her passing in 2019. Together, they raised two daughters, and their legacy lives on through six grandchildren and four, soon to be five great-grandchildren.

Lee's professional career began at Johnston Pump before he spent 35 years at the Pantex Plant, where he made lifelong friends and left a lasting impact as a dedicated worker, and as someone who always took the time to make others feel welcome, valued, and heard.

He was always quick to crack a joke, lighten the mood, and make people laugh—even in the most serious of situations. He had a way of cutting through the noise with his straightforward honesty, and he never hesitated to call things as he saw them. His humor and ornery personality were his trademarks, and he always found a way to brighten any room he walked into.

What truly mattered to Lee was people. He didn’t care about the location or the event—what he cherished most was the connections he made along the way.

Virgil is preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Viola, His wife Debbie, and his brothers, Mike Estes and Gary Estes.

He is survived by his children Kimberly George and husband Trey, Rebecca Owsley and husband Doug, Grandchildren, Brooklyn George, Kaylynn Pena, Trenton George, Allison George, Bryson Owsley, and Kyle Owsley. Great Grandchildren Scarlett Garcia, Koulson George, Jett George, Margo Pena, and was looking forward to the arrival of Emma Pena in April. His sisters, Donna Barney, Connie Hawn and Husband Danny, Marilyn Halsey and Husband Joseph.

He also leaves a circle of friends and family who will forever remember his playful spirit, his love for life, and his unwavering honesty. While his family and friends will miss him dearly, they take comfort knowing that he’s now reunited with Debbie, the love of his life.