Rev. Jeffrey “Jeff” Dean Ezell
July 23, 1965 – December 7, 2024
Funeral services for Rev. Jeffrey “Jeff” Dean Ezell, 59, of Cairo, GA, are at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Pine Level Baptist Church, Cairo, GA. Rev. Kerry Dinkins, Rev. Jim Weaver and Pat Pollock will officiate. Private family interment will be in Pine Level Baptist Church Cemetery, Cairo, GA. Rev. Ezell passed away at Grady General Hospital, Cairo, GA, on Saturday, December 7, 2024.
Active pallbearers will be Tim Ezell, Phillip Kosciw, Brice Edwards, Garrison Courtney, Michael Smith and Eric Smith.
Honorary pallbearers will be Dave Ezell, Darrien Ezell, Andy Barber, Terry Sutherland, Ben Greene, Zach Harrison, Cole Harrison, Randy Griffin and Larry Hudson.
Rev. Ezell was born on July 23, 1965, in Thomasville, GA, to the late Rev. Paul Wendell Ezell and the late Marinell Giles Ezell Bell. On July 14, 1990, he married Lisa Batchelor Ezell, who survives, and they were married for 34 years.
Jeff was known to be a hardworking individual who did what was necessary to provide for his family. He dedicated himself fully to whatever it was, no matter the job description. He worked for Merritt Construction for several years, where he formed a close relationship with Mr. James and Helen Merritt. Jeff then pursued a job with Gold Kist/Southern States where he spread fertilizer for many years. Jeff continued to work at Gold Kist/Southern States until the closing of the Cairo store.
He then went to work with Prince Farms, while also being a dedicated bus driver for The Grady County Board of Education. After dedicating himself to both jobs simultaneously for two years, it was time for a change. Jeff became the new director of Grady County Animal Shelter in Cairo in March of 2021. Jeff had a love and compassion for animals just as he did people, so this job was very fitting. He held this position until he passed.
In 2006, Jeff became an ordained minister. He first began his pastoral career at Memorial Baptist Church. After six years with Memorial, Jeff moved on to become the pastor of Long Branch Baptist Church. He pastored at Long Branch for 12 years until his passing.
Jeff loved God and loved to share His word. He was never afraid to talk about his faith and was a faithful servant to the Lord. He put his heart and soul into each and every sermon he ever gave, perfectly crafting each one into a masterpiece.
Jeff, as he was affectionately known, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him.
Those who knew Jeff will remember him for his infectious and overwhelming laughter, his deep-rooted Faith in Jesus, and his unwavering commitment to spreading love, and kindness to everyone he encountered. He had the gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path.
Anyone who knew Jeff knew how big of a family man he was. He was always there for his wife, Lisa; their children, Logan and Connor; and his grandchildren Finley Kate and Graylyn. He was their rock, their provider, their protector. There was never a day that Jeff did not talk about his family. He was a very proud husband, father, and grandfather. Jeff was also always there to help his extended family whenever necessary and didn’t ever ask questions. He would be there at the drop of the hat, and that is what made him such a special person.
Survivors include: his wife, Lisa Batchelor Ezell of Cairo, GA; daughter, Logan Strickland (Brian) of Cairo, GA; son, Connor Ezell (Tylar) of Cairo, GA; granddaughters, Finley Kate Strickland and Graylyn Rose Strickland, both of Cairo GA; siblings, Sherry Smith (Marty) and Pete Ezell (Vickie), both of Cairo, GA; sister-in-law, Shalon Batchelor McLaughlin (Brian) of Cairo, GA; father-in-law and mother-in-law, George and Gloria Batchelor of Cairo, GA; nieces and nephews, Michael Smith (Shelley) of Braselton, GA, Eric Smith (Jordan) of Cairo, GA, Ashley Snipes (Wil) of Pelham, GA, Kaylee Ezell of Thomasville, GA, McKenna Hudson of Valdosta, GA, Evan McLaughlin of Valdosta, GA. He is also survived by a special aunt, Peggy “Peb” Harrell of Whigham, GA; as well as a host of other extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Paul and Myra Thomas Ezell, Lester and Emma Giles, John Abe and Clara Norman, Julia Mae Batchelor; and special uncle, Walter “Bo” Giles.
Memorials may be made in Rev. Ezell’s memory to: Long Branch Baptist Church, Post Office Box 502, Cairo, GA 39828.
The family will receive friends at Long Branch Baptist Church on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Although Jeff’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth this legacy of love and compassion in all that we do.
