Eugene Talmagde Estes passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025, at the age of 89 in Gainesville, Georgia. Gene was born in Alpharetta, Georgia on September 14, 1935 to parents, Jasper Livingston Estes and Hattie Elsie Morris Estes.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Porter Estes, his daughter, Amy Estes, his mother, father and eleven older siblings, Blanche Barnett, Susie Sims, Dozier Estes, Howard Estes, Cora Martin, Reba Anders, Brantley Estes, J. L. Estes Jr., Robert Estes and Ruth Kirby. He is survived by his grandsons, Patrick Overbey and Quinton Overbey, and great grandchildren Emily and Noah Overbey, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Gene was an outstanding athlete at Milton High School. He was a great halfback being named to the All-State football team his sophomore, junior and senior years. In baseball he was the primary pitcher, top hitter and team captain. He led Milton to win the 1955 baseball state championship. Gene was selected to play in the annual North GA vs. South GA All-Star Baseball Game in 1955 and made the winning hit for the North team. He was an outstanding track player leading Milton to the first-place trophy in 1955. Gene received a baseball contract from the Kansas City Royals but elected to accept a football scholarship from the University of Georgia. He played his freshman year then unfortunately had a broken leg along with other injuries. As a result, he elected to come home, complete his required military duty by joining the U. S. Army Reserves and marry his high school sweetheart. Gene became a firefighter with the City of Atlanta, working there 23 years until he retired from the department due to an injury in the line of duty. In 2022, Gene was inducted into the Milton High School Hall of Fame.

Gene was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for several years.

A funeral service commemorating Gene's life will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 1:00PM at Northside Chapel Funeral Directors, 12050 Crabapple Road, Roswell, GA 30075. On the day of the service, the family will receive friends and family beginning at 11:00 AM until just before the service begins. Pastor Troy A. Milford will officiate. Pallbearers are Paul Cain, Eddie Henson, Gerald McCarley, David Waldrip, Larry Waldrip and Larry Waters.

Interment will follow at Green Lawn Cemetery in Roswell, GA. In lieu of flowers the family request gifts be given in his memory to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 9730 Waldrip Road, Gainesville, GA 30506.