Christopher A. Estrada, 52, died December 31, 2011, of natural causes at his residence. He was born January 7, 1959, in Guatemala City, Guatemala, to Dr. Hector Estrada and Patricia H. Estrada. At an early age, he came to the US with his mother and brother. In 1966, Dr. Ronald Wachs became his Dad.
Much of his early life was lived in Wilson, NC. He was a member of the Presbyterian Youth Fellowship, active in Boy Scouts, and was inducted into the National Honor Society.
Chris loved sports and played on several Recreation League and School teams. Even as a youth, he had a strong work ethic. Following graduation from Fike High School, he attended East Carolina University. He was an employee of Firestone for over 30 years.
Funeral services will be on Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at Englewood United Methodist Church in Rocky Mount, conducted by his dad, Dr. Ronald Wachs and his uncle, the Rev. Robert Wachs. A brief service and burial will be at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday afternoon at Hanks Chapel UCC in Pittsboro.
Chris is survived by his mother, Patricia Estrada Wachs of Jasper, Ga; his dad, Dr. Ronald Wachs of Siler City; his biological father, Dr. Hector Estrada of Guatemala City; Daughters, Cristy N. Alexander (Matthew) of Washington, DC and Falon N. Jackson of Rocky Mount, NC; Sisters, Kirstin W. Hoff (Jason) of Stuttgart, Germany and Claudia Estrada of Guatemala City; Brother, Michael A. Estrada, of Jasper, Ga; two grandsons, a granddaughter and five nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or to a charity of donor's choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Service
Location Not Available
Wednesday 1/11, 10:30 am
Location Not Available
Wednesday 1/11, 3:30 pm
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Very sorry to hear about Chris,I worked with him at the mayflower. He was funny and he made my nights at work. He was a good guy. May he RIP. Judy Farmer
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to your family. Will gladly share the love in honor of Chris!!
I was so very sorry to hear of the loss of Chris, he had a big heart to go along with that big ole’ smile! Sending up prayers for his family. Teresa Monaghan Crist
I remember Chris as a classmate in school, but also as a teammate at Firestone. He worked on C crew, but on occasion would work straight days, where we would sit and talk at breaks about things at work and on some days fond memories of school days and old classmates. He will be missed for that contagious smile that he had. RIP Chris
So very sorry to hear this sad news. Chris was a fine person and I am glad I had the chance to know him. Condolences to your family.
Many warm memories of sweet Chris. Thinking of all of your family. Hugs. Bootsie Barnes Harris
My deepest condolences on your lose…I played football with Chris in high school, he was always a positive person to be around and treated me with unconditional respect…this is my memory of Chris…RIP
I can’t believe this about Chris.We worked together @ Firestone. We partied downtown @ the Lighthouse and Buck and Ollies Saloon. He was a good guy. He will be missed.
I have so many fond memories of growing up with Chris and Mike while they lived in the Cavalier terrace area and then the Forest Hills area in Wilson. You are all in my prayers. Lewis Swindell
Thank you friends for your comments about Chris and our family. Many have asked if there is anything you can do. Yes there is. You can help us add more value to Chris and his impact in the world. Please call someone you love and tell them. If there are issues put them aside. Take the time you are thinking of us and use it to bring happiness and love to someone (or many) while you can. This is what will help us add happiness and meaning to my brothers memory and life. Share the love
My deepest symathy to the family….May the peace of the Lord be with you all in this most difficult time. I grew up with Chris in Wilson North Carolina and am pround to say he is my friend.I do not have the space to list all the good times we shared in our exuberant youth. Not only did we share good times,we shared first times. Our first Carolina game (to watch you Mike),our first time to the beach unchaperoned and first music concerts in the Mighty Falcon. I do know two things to be facts in this world…All dogs go to heaven and death is only the beginning. I will see you again my brother Chris, John H. Bryant Jr.
Jan Meares Little- Forest Hill Rd Wilson NC
so sorry about this news, it is like you want one more chance to talk to him or see him, it had been since school since i had seen Chris, and to find out he was right here, there is another star in heaven tonight, you will me missed old friend, condolecences to the Estrada Wachs families. Janet Wester77
My deepest sympathies to the EstradaWachs families. Wilson gained a great guy when he moved here-he was a great neighbor, friend, and classmate (1977) -Chris-have not seen your smiling face since 1980-but will always remember it. from all the Class of 1977 and all of Your Forest Hills buddies-Love you and you will be missed
My deepest sympathy to the Estrada & Wachs families. I lived 2 houses away from Chris, Mike, Kirstin, Patricia & Ron for several years growing up in the Cavalier neighborhood of Wilson and graduated Fike High School with Chris. Chris was always such a great fun-loving guy and a joy to be around. Though it had been quite a while since I had the pleasure of seeing him he certainly lives in my memory and I instantly recognized his picture on todays obituary page with a shocked cry. Mike, your brother was a stand up guy who always made his friends feel special and I will miss him. Jim Anderson Monticello Drive Wilson, NC
I am so sorry to hear about Chris. He was so good to my mom when she was living. They were neighbors and he would very often check in on her to make sure she was ok or needed something. He was a very kind and giving man. This world needs more people like him. So sorry for your loss. Carolyn Whitehead, Rocky Mount, NC
9 files added to the tribute wall
Chris, I was so shocked to hear of your passing … fond memories of many years in school with you. You were always such a kind person and always greeted with a smile in passing between classes. So many memories … you playing football and other sports and we were so lucky Class of ’77 all seemed to be such caring people and had such a close nich. You will always be remembered, my friend with wonderful memories and remembering your contagious smile. It is comforting to know that you will never have pain and that you are in the Heavens and promised everlasting life. What a wonderful gift. Gone, but not forgotten. Terry Cooper Farmer
To my friends. I am so very happy to hear from you and feel our past relationships reignited. This is one great outcome of my brothers life. I am not a person who likes to put my personal life nor others out for public display. Especially on the internet I have never been faced with the emotions of the loss of a brother, sister, mother or father. Nor a child. I am sure each one will feel different as each person is unique in our life. But Chris being my first and I hope my only one, I find myself every few hours in a noncontrollable deep pain. It mainifests itself into a brief spasmatic cry and then sorrow. The many comments you have shared with me and our family have helped more than I am sure anyone realizes. They represent to me an aknowledgement that my brothers life, passed through me. has had substance to others in various ways. We all want to leave a positive and meaningful mark on the world . I posted in a facebook note that you could help my family by calling someone and sharing your love, in memory of Chris. I am overwhelmed that so many of you have done this. Each personal messages sent to me, telling me the story of your reaching out to connect to a loved one and sharing the love, has taken so much pain away for me. And more importantly has put love and happiness in someone else. WHat a great way for Chris to leave his mark on the world. I travel into my brothers memorial services at peace and with honor because you have helped me understand his positive impact and caring for others. I hope that you feel the appreciation for those in your life now and in the past. The peace, the energy, and the emense love I feel as a result of this process. I hope you experience this clarity of our purpose in life, without the loss. Every day is a new day to improve your life and help others with theirs. All mistakes are in the past and the future holds room for love and accomplishment of good. We can take our first step this very moment while we still have the moment. I share my love with all of you and ask Chris to take my love with his spirit until we meet again. Love to all, Michael, Mike, Uncle Mike,
Randy and I are saddened to hear about Chris’s passing. We will never forget the fond memories shared with Chris while living on Buckingham Road. He was Randy’s best man at our wedding, almost 28 years ago. Chris was a one of the most fun people to be around and was able to effortlessly make everyone else have a good time. Although It has been a few years since we last saw him, I am assured that we will be comforted by our memories and pray that you will have strength during this time of loss. The EstradaWachs families have our deepest sympathy. Randy and Margaret Ward Wilson, NC
Chris had a side to him that we heard about repeatedly at his services. He had a connection with so many elderly people. He seemed to take care of them in many ways. Cooking Christmas or Thanksgiving meals. Helping them shop or get around. I am proud of his desire and time spent with those who needed it. Thank you for telling us about your mom. Michael
Thank you for visiting with us. It means alot to have you tell us about his stories and how close you were. Chris was in my wedding too and he looked so nice in a tux. You bring back that memory for me. Have a great safe year. Michael
They were some fun days in Forest Hills. Playing kick the can. Running around at night. And the pool. Football in the park. Chris and I loved fishing in the pond. Thanks for writing us. Michael
Im that you for visiting with us at the memorial service. It wasnt until I was driving to the Pittsboro service that I had flashbacks to the bb gun fights in the woods behind our houses. And I do remember digging the BBs out of our arms when we shot someone. I would punish my kids severly if they did half the stuff Chris and I did. With your help of course. Thank you for reminding me of the fun days. May you have a great year.
I want to offer my deepest sympathies to all your family. I cannot grasp the fact he is gone. I grew up with Chris and went to High School with him. We always managed to get into some kind of mischief and fun. He was like a big brother and best friend all in one. Although I went back in the service and lost contact with him, I will never forget the impact he had on my life. Chris could always be counted on when you were in trouble or needed him, he was always there. Anyone who ever had the pleasure of knowing him could never forget him. He was a special person and blessed in so many ways. I will always cherish the time, fun, and endeavors we had together. I will miss him dearly. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 3418 Bill and Rose Smith Charles City, Va.
Lit a candle in memory of Christopher A. Estrada
Thank you Bill. I remember you from the old days in HS. Our best to you and your family in the future. Michael