KILL DEVIL HILLS — Sean Brian Estes, 61, of Kill Devil Hills, NC, passed away due to natural causes in Norfolk, VA on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Sean was called to the Outer Banks of North Carolina at a young age, where he dedicated himself to contributing to the community’s growth and prosperity. Sean’s love for the islands’ natural beauty and the tranquility of Nags Heads Woods inspired him to build his dream home there. Sean was well known for his passion for designing and constructing homes with distinctive custom features, which can be admired from Ocracoke to Carova.
Sean moved to the Outer Banks after spending his childhood living in different locations around the world while his father was an officer in the United States Navy. Sean discovered his passion for building when he relocated to the Outer Banks at the age of 16. This new environment sparked his interest and led him to pursue his love for construction and building with his hands.
Sean has framed hundreds of homes throughout the Outer Banks starting in the 80’s and was instrumental in the growth and development of the area. He also remodeled and moved the Pea Island Lighthouse Keepers residence which has kept Oregon Inlet boaters safe for years.
One of his greatest joys in life was to help encourage and mentor the youth through baseball and softball, for over 20 years. You could always find him coaching at a nearby ballpark, delving into history through documentaries or movies, or playing chess and enjoying a good Grateful Dead song while drinking a Coca-Cola.
Those who knew Sean will remember him for his infectious smile and his “right on” or “alright, alright” catch phrases, and his unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone he encountered. He had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path.
Sean is survived by his family members which include his loving wife of 33 years, Angie; his five children, Allison Woodard (Ryan), Sean Martin, Brian Estes (Danielle), Isabel Estes (Garrett) and Genevieve Estes. As well as his two grandchildren, Kallie and River Woodard and his sister, Julie Estes, and mother-in-law, Ursula Cortez, along with many other relatives and friends. Sean is preceded in death by his father and mother, Brian and Roberta Estes, and his daughter, Michelle Estes.
Estes
May flowers always line your path and sunshine light your day. May songbirds serenade you every step along the way. May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that’s always blue. And may happiness fill your heart each day your whole life through – Irish Blessing
To honor Sean’s wishes, there will be no formal service. The family plan to hold a celebration of life at a later date. We invite you to privately celebrate Sean’s life in your own ways and play a Grateful Dead song in his memory. In lieu of flowers, you can donate to a charity of your choosing. Please leave a message of comfort at gallopfuneralservices.com.