Wednesday, April 12, 2023 11:34 am

Earl Estes, age 98, of Forest City, passed away, Friday, April 7, 2023.

Earl was born May 21, 1924 in Swain County, NC to the late Fred Estes and Gertrude Anthony Estes.

He worked as a pipeline welder for Piedmont Natural Gas for 20 years and a machinist for Harper Corporation of America. He also served in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) for several years. Earl was a member of Florence Baptist Church and a part of the Masonic Lodge in Charlotte.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Janice Wagoner; stepson, Donald Malcolm; five sisters and two brothers.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 30 years, Gladys Hall Estes; daughter, Cynthia Romeis of Charlotte; stepsons, Gary Malcolm (Susan) of Ellenboro, Daniel Malcolm of Rutherfordton, Timothy Malcolm (Teresa) of Harris; sisters, Nora Womack and Zora Pippert both of Marion, ten grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson.

The funeral was held April 11 at Florence Baptist Church with Rev. Daniel Selman and Rev. Tonya Garrison officiating.

An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.