Estel Ray Breeden, Sr., age 77, of Kodak, TN, died peacefully at home on September 27, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.

Estel was born on April 29, 1949, in Knoxville, TN, to Edgar and Daisy Breeden. He enlisted in the US Army from 6-27-1968 to 6-23-1969.

On December 27, 1967, he married the love of his life, Peggy Lynn Foster, in Knoxville, TN, and they shared 58 wonderful years together, and were blessed with five children.

Estel worked many jobs throughout the years, including roofing and heating and air, and he was the community and family mechanic. He retired in 2022. He was a faithful member of New Season Church of God, in New Market, TN.

Estel was a man of many talents, worked well with his hands, and helped his family and friends with any task or need. He loved to fish, and the riverbank was his favorite place to be. He loved animals and coffee, and anything connected to the outdoors.

Estel is survived by his spouse, Peggy Lynn Breeden, and his children, Estel Ray Breeden, Jr (spouse Lisa Breeden), Marjorie Lynn Breeden, Sally Ruth Hensley (spouse Russell Hensley), and Edward Eugene Breeden (fiancée Jennifer Ivy), and son-in-law Mark Hooper, Sr.; sisters, Wanda Murphy and Charlotte Monday (Earl); sister-in-law, Susan (Raymond) Harrison; sister-in-law, Mary Foster; brother-in-law, Mike Foster. He leaves behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including: Stephanie Ogle (spouse David Ogle) and her son Aiden, Mark Hooper, Jr, and his children Alanna and Branson, Sarah (spouse Scott), and their children Sophia, Aubrey, Ethan, and Lucca, Michael Jones, III, Jolene Breeden, Crystal (and her children Michael, Gabriel, and Olivia), Leah Hensley Simper (spouse Aidan Simper), Eli Hensley, Cherlyn Breeden Crowley (spouse Kobe Crowley), Dylan Breeden.

He had many loving family members and friends, with a special mention made of his niece Darlene, whom he loved dearly. 

We also give special mention to UT Hospice, his nurse Victoria, and his social worker, who provided support we will never forget.

We will receive friends and family on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 5 PM to 6:30 PM, with the service starting at 6:30 PM, at New Season Church of God, 718 Downing Lane, New Market, TN 37820.

Condolences may be shared at Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, 865-983-1000, or online at www.smithfuneralandcremation.com