On Sept. 26, Buddy Champion, pastor of First Baptist Church, Trussville, told the congregation that if they wanted to see what it looked like to serve faithfully for decades with an “impeccable lifestyle,” they should look to Joe Estes.
The church honored Estes that day as he retired after 20 years as their worship pastor and 50 years total in ministry.
A graduate of Samford University, Estes and his wife, Marty, were founding members of the musical group TRUTH, touring the country with them in the early 1970s. He also played the stand-up bass as a member of Three on a String.
The church presented Estes with a number of gifts Sept. 26 and announced that they had founded a scholarship in his name for children attending choir camp.
When it comes to the church’s support, “all we need to say is thank you,” Estes said. “This is a very special place … I could never really express my love and my gratitude.”
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