Billy Carl "Sonny" Estelle

Billy Carl “Sonny” Estelle, 88, of Crossett, died Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at the Nightingale of Crossett Health and Rehabilitation Center. Mr. Estelle was a native of Hamburg and a resident of Ashley County for most of his life. After graduating from Hamburg High School in 1953, he proudly served his country, joined the United States Marine Corps in 1955, and traveled to several different countries. Mr. Estelle worked in the sawmill and lumber industry until his retirement at the age of 65. He was a longtime member of the Church of Christ, where he led singing. Mr. Estelle was an active and beloved resident of the Pillars of the Community Assisted Living Center in Crossett. He was always willing to teach, when needed, the Thursday Bible class for the Pillars residents, whom he considered his extended family. He loved to paint and won 2nd place in the Arkansas “Caring Through Art” contest sponsored by the Arkansas Health Care Association and Arkansas Assisted Living Association. He also enjoyed playing his guitars and listening to gospel music.

He is preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah Gail Estelle in 1984; his parents, Dewey James and Velma Smith Estelle; a brother, James Ronald Estelle and four sisters, Verna Louise Goodwin, Norma Goodwin, Faye Sparks, and Bobby Jo Howell.

He is survived by a sister, Pat Estelle of San Diego, California; special friends, Billy and Patti Gammel of Campti, Louisiana; several nieces, nephews and extended family.

Funeral services are 10 a.m. Saturday, February 18, 2023, at the Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home Chapel with Jerry L. Martin officiating. Burial will be in the Crossroads Cemetery. Pallbearers are Joe Friend, Tommy Pahal, Tommy Pearson, Kevin Pearson, Billy Walton, Mike Reynolds, Pete Murphy, and Dan Akin.  Honorary pallbearers are Billy Gammel, Donnie Goodwin, Joe Shairrick, Joe Sponaugle and Leo Wright Memorials may be made to the Children’s Homes, Inc., 5515 Walcott Road, Paragould, AR  72450. 

Visitation will be 9:30-10 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home chapel.