Paul C. Estes, 84, of Wakefield, Rhode Island, passed away at South County Hospital in Wakefield on Saturday, July 22, 2017. He was the husband of the late Dorothy Kennon Estes.

Born in Clay City, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Dillard and Grace Estes. After graduating from Berea College, Paul served in the US Army. He then went on to study veterinary medicine at Auburn University and Iowa State University, and received a doctorate in pathology from Cornell University. He lived in Gales Ferry, Connecticut for many years while working for Pfizer as a veterinary pathologist before retiring to Rhode Island.

A lifelong animal lover, he cherished many pets throughout his life, starting from his childhood on a farm in Kentucky. His beloved border collies, Annie and Lucy, and adored cats Gunther and Jughead were among his favorites. He enjoyed gardening and traveling, especially his annual trips to Stowe, Vermont and Mount Desert Island, Maine with his wife Dorothy. An avid sportsman, he loved hiking, biking, fishing, racquetball, tennis, and volleyball and was a dedicated fan of college basketball and the Cincinnati Reds. He was known for his dry sense of humor, his sweet disposition, and his warm hospitality.

He is survived by his son and daughter in law, Mark Estes and Marika Erdely of Malibu, California; his daughter and son in law, Emily Estes and George Chapman of Dresden, Maine; his daughter Laurel Lefebvre of Naperville, Illinois; and his grandson Nathan Estes.

Visiting hours are respectfully omitted. All services will be private. Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly is in charge of the arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com