Celebrating the life of
Richard Austin Estus
September 23, 1933 - August 01, 2026
Richard Austin Estus, known lovingly as "Popie" to his family, was born September 23, 1933, in Binghamton, New York. Though he came from upstate New York, Dick considered himself a Savannahian through and through, a genteel enthusiast of living life fully. He was cultured, well-traveled, and endlessly ready for the next adventure or visit, whether that meant being the last one on the dance floor at one of his grandchildren's weddings, playing a round of golf nearly every day of the week, spending an afternoon in his garden, or simply appreciating those around him. Dick passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the age of 92.
After graduating from Bucknell University and completing six months of military service, Dick set out to build a career in advertising, going to work for General Outdoor Advertising. The job carried him through Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Utica before landing him in Richmond, Virginia, where he met Suzanne "Sue" Anderson, the woman who would become his wife of 63 years. When the Turner family's outdoor advertising business came to Richmond, Dick found himself working first for Ted Turner's father, and later for a 24-year-old Ted Turner himself, eventually spending 15 years with the company in Atlanta. In 1971, a job offer brought Dick to Savannah to manage a local billboard company, and within a few years he'd bought it outright, renaming it Estus Outdoor. Over the decades that followed he built, sold, and rebuilt that company more than once, finally retiring in 2018 after 63 years in the business.
Nothing came before family for Dick. His three daughters were the center of his world, and Sue matched his zest for life with her own special energy and style. They were a beautiful couple who loved to dance, travel, and give endlessly of themselves to everyone around them. Their home on the Vernon River grew into something of a local landmark, filled with the antiques Dick collected over a lifetime, a home that told the story of a well-curated and soulful life, with a style that ranged from cars to art to collectibles, and a genuine appreciation for nature, surrounded by camellias, azaleas, and flowers and plants of every variety. Family and friends were welcomed at the door by a hydrangea bush so enormous and vibrant it felt like something out of a fairytale. Weddings, holidays, and ordinary summer afternoons all found their way to their porch under the oaks, and Dick never once thought a crowd could be too big. He kept a sunny outlook no matter what came his way, rarely dwelled on bumps in the road, and had a gift for staying young at heart, purposeful, and genuinely present in whatever moment he was in. His magnetic love for life inspired anyone who crossed his path.
Flowers and gardening were a genuine passion, not just a pastime, even well into retirement, he could be found tending his own sprawling yard along the banks of the Vernon River. He loved a round of golf, especially with the boys, and he loved his boat, though his family will happily tell you that being a boater was never really his strength. Dick’s approach to docking amounted to aiming for the dock and hoping for the best. He wasn't much of a boat captain. He didn't need to be. He was everything else and more.
Dick's leadership extended well beyond Savannah's city limits, too, he served as president of the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA), the industry's national trade organization. He went on to serve as chairman of the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA), helping bring Home Depot's distribution operations to Savannah and open the door to the port growth that followed, and he was the founding chairman of the First City Club, which he built from day one to be open to everyone, at a time when not every club in town could say the same. For his decades of business leadership and civic contribution, Dick was inducted into the Tourism Hall of Fame, sponsored by Junior Achievement, and received the Savannah Area Chamber's Oglethorpe Leadership Award, an honor given to fewer than 40 people in over two centuries. He also led the United Way and served as a board member of Savannah Technical College, a natural leader and inspiration through and through.
But what Dick invested in most was his family. He showed up for his grandchildren the way he showed up for everything else, with more energy than people half his age, and a genuine curiosity that never seemed to run dry. He traveled with them, danced with them, asked them real questions and listened to the answers, and had a way of making whoever he was with, young or old, family or new friend, feel like the most important person in the room. He lived life passionately and curiously right up to the end of his 92 years, leaving behind a standard for how to appreciate the gift of walking this earth, and how generously to share that gift with the world.
Dick was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Suzanne Anderson Estus, his siblings, Joan Blessed, Tony Estus, and parents Win and Missy Estus. He is survived by his brother, Peter Estus, his three daughters, Julie Estus Kehoe (the late Frank Kehoe), Sally Estus Payne (Ross Payne), and Kent Estus Buttimer (Stephen Buttimer). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Taylor and Cale Thurber, Quinn, Jhett and Mollie, Tatum and Malcolm McDowell, Austin and Randall Slimp, Estus and Sawyer, Suttle and Christina Payne, Fulton Payne, Stephen and Margaret Buttimer, and Sims Buttimer; and his dog, Wakefield, whom he loved dearly.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Savannah, United Way of Savannah, St. Joseph's/Candler Foundations, or the Humane Society of Savannah in honor of his loyal dog, Wakefield.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Hospice of Savannah and Coastal Care Partners for their compassionate care during his final days.
A funeral service will be held at Isle of Hope United Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026.
Julie and I were roommates at UGA and we have continued our friendship all through the years. My best friend forever! I spent many wonderful times spending the night at the Estus home. They always treated me as part of the family and I will cherish every moment with Mr. and Mrs Estus!! Mr. Estus was such a kind and generous man! I send love and big hugs to all the Estus family!!!! Nancy Richardson
- Nancy Richardson , Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
I first met Dick in 1975 when I started Ben Farmer Realty and he owned Estus Outdoor Advertising billboard company. From the time I met him until the last time I saw him at Polk's Produce in Sandfly where he was a frequent customer. I credit him and his billboard company with launching my young company's image in a Outdoor Advertising campaign that won his company a National Award. Dick was an amazing man, kind and gentle and so genteel. We shared a love for antique cars and he was a great source of information for me. In 1992, I married Julie Turner, a very close friend of Dick and Sue's daughter Julie Estus Kehoe and her late husband Frank. I see Julie often when she visits our home and our hearts go out to her for her loss. Dick Estus was one of the finest individuals I have ever met. I will miss his smile and love of life.
- Ben Farmer , Savannah , GA.
Dick was such an inspiration to so many, I loved knowing him and working with him in community efforts
- Connie Farmer Rau, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry for your loss. Your father was a genuine gentleman. He shared his wisdom with everyone he met. He loved his family with his whole heart. I felt privileged to have known him. My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
- Mary Pilote, North Palm Beach, FL
Dick was a great man and one of a kind. He will be sorely missed by all that knew and loved him! My prayers are with his family.
- Robyn Quattlebaum, Savannah, Georgia
We're so sorry for your loss. Love you all Mark and Ellen
- Mark and Ellen Fulkerson, Tybee Island, GA
Julie , I am so very sorry to hear of your loss , our loss. Your dad was the man that one thought of as “the best guy you know” and he was Always there for ya. I have many memories of him thru these years and he made those years more joyful as you did for him . I know his life was richer and fulfilling because of you. My thoughts are with you and your family
- Cora Bett Thomas, Savannah, GA
Dick was a true leader in his community and professional career in the Outdoor Advertising industry. It is amazing to see how a man who was so involved in his professional career was equally involved in his community, receiving high honors in both for his service. Dick served as the president of the Ourdoor Advertising Association of America and was presented with the Outdoor Advertising Association of Georgia's Lifetime Achievement Award. Dick spent 15 years at Turner Outdoor Advertising for Ed Turner and then his Son Turner Ted in Atlanta. He founded Estus Outdoor in Savannah in 1971. I met Dick that same year selling billboard faces for Formetco. Formetco was founded in 1968. Although Turner Outdoor Advertising was one of our first customers, I had not met Dick. He was not in the operations department. But, to me he was a seasoned veteran. He gave me great advise and shared his knowledge of the industry. Dick was well liked and respected in the industry. His good words to other outdoor companies opened many doors for us. But, best of all is that we remained friends after Dick retired. It was a friendship based on a mutual respect and appreciation. We did not get to speak or see each other very often. But, when we did it was a great reunion. Pam, my wife of 62 years loved stopping to see Dick and Sue when we would go through Savannah. We were always welcomed like a member of the family. We miss both and know they have been reunited with Him. God Bless
- John Gibb, Buford, Georgia
Wayne and I loved Dick and Sue! Sue and I were in Huntingdon Women's Club and Wayne and Dick were business partners in The Green House! The two of them will be sorely missed by everyone that was privileged to know them!
- Barbara Murphy, Savannah, GA
Wayne and I loved Dick and Sue! Sue and I were in Huntingdon Women's Club and Wayne and Dick were business partners in The Green House! The two of them will be sorely missed by everyone that was privileged to know them!
- Barbara Murphy, Savannah, GA
I knew Dick many years while working in the Outdoor Advertising Industry. He was a truly innovated, inspiring entrepreneur. A gentleman and great caring person. One of the best. My sympathy to his family.
- Michael Graham, Savannah, GA
Growing up and later working in my family's outdoor advertising business, I first met Richard “Dick” Estes in the 1960s, when he was with Turner Advertising Company in Atlanta, before joining Hogan Outdoor Advertising, owned and operated by William H. Hogan Jr. Following Mr. Hogan's passing in 1970, Dick acquired the business, and then it was off to the races. Not only did the company prosper and become an important part of the local economy, but Dick also became a true Savannah native and civic leader. He was well known, well liked, and deeply respected by countless friends and associates in Savannah and throughout the advertising industry nationwide. We have lost a true friend. Rest in Peace, Dick.
- E. Keller Wilcox, Jr, Reidsville, GA
Julie & family, I have such wonder memories of Sue and Dick. They were an outstanding couple . Sending you my heartfelt sympathy.
- Shirley Ussery, Wiscasset, Maine
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Memorial Service
- 2:00pm on Fri, August 07, 2026
- Isle of Hope United Methodist Church
-
412 Parkersburg Road (map)
Savannah GA 31406
