James Crawford Ezell, Sr.
James Crawford Ezell, Sr., 85, died peacefully December 13, 2011 at Atria Johnson Ferry in Marietta.
Born in Hillsboro, December 2, 1926, to the late Frank Ridley Ezell and Yulyn Greer Ezell, he was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey, sister, Caroline Carr, and sons Marshall Lee Ezell and Frank Greer Ezell.
He is survived by a son, James C. Ezell, Jr., his wife, Debbie Parkerson Ezell of Marietta, and their two children, James C. Ezell, III and Lauren Elizabeth Ezell; the daughter of Frank G. Ezell, Emily Ezell McGann, her husband Colin McGann of Smyrna, and their new son Declan Ezell McGann; sister, Frances Ezell Day of North Augusta, S.C.; along with long time care giver, Minnie Lee Thomas of Monticello.
Mr. Ezell graduated from Monticello High School in 1944 and joined the Army, seeing action in the Pacific, the Philippine Islands. He was a TEC 3 Surgical Technician, Medic. He was honorably discharged October, 1949. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a BS in Agriculture. In 1965 he graduated from the Woodrow Wilson College of Law in Atlanta.
He started life with his wife of 59 years, Audrey Williams, living in the same house he grew up in as a boy and where they remained for the rest of their lives. He was a farmer and dairyman until he went to work in the sixties for the state of Georgia Agriculture Department as an inspector in the poultry industry. In the late sixties, he went to work for The Packaging Corporation of America (PACTIV) as a salesman in the molded egg products division, where he was salesman of the year in 1982. He was on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Poultry Federation from 1972–1979. He was a member of the Monticello Presbyterian Church where he served in every available position other than preacher.
After his retirement in the late eighties, he became an avid volunteer for Jasper County and was the volunteer of the year in agriculture in 1998. He was known for his dry sense of humor and was a fun companion on the golf course. He helped perpetuate his gift of salesmanship by supplying a hunting venue for his customer base at the family farm. He was a true blue, old-school husband, father and grandfather with high ethical standards and was loved dearly by his family.
The family will receive friends from Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011, from 4 until 7 p.m. at Jordan Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 16, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the Monticello Presbyterian Church with a graveside service at West View Cemetery. Rev. Rindy Trouteaud will officiate.
Pallbearers are Donald Tyler, Gene Benton, Banks Kelly, Jimmy Jordan, Tom Tucker, Buddy Tucker, Steve Jordan, Gene Kelly, and Jerry Harris.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Monticello Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 308, Monticello, GA 31064.
Jordan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visit its website at www.jordanfuneralhomemonticello.com for more information.