Hugh Levelton Ezell

Hugh Levelton Ezell (Billy) age 86 of Pascagoula, MS received his Lord December 13, 2009 in Pascagoula. His sister Ellen “Peggy” Ezell Tillman lead him to Saint Peter to walk together through the Golden Gates as they departed this life. Billy , as most all knew him, was part of the Greatest Generation that saved the free world in WW II. He was born December 6, 1923 in South Mississippi. He was raised in the Lilly Orchard community before the family moved to Pascagoula in the 30's. As a young man he began work at Ingall’s for Bob Ingalls. As WW II began he joined the U.S. Army and entered the war by being sent to England to prepare for the Great Crusade to liberate Europe. He so loved England that after the war he married a local girl, Ms. May Potts and settled in Warrington. Here, they raised their family and he worked in a factory as a machinist and retired after 20 years. He and his family returned back to his home of Pascagoula in 1966. Soon thereafter he began working with Peggy’s husband, Jesse Tillman for many years as a skilled craftsman and painter. He finally retired to become a full time grandfather until his departure with the Lord. Billy was much loved by everyone that he met. He was an avid and master gardener which gave him great joy to provide fresh produce to all that he knew. His homemade pickles were a joy to many. He provided love and care to his grandchildren who in return adored him. He lived his life giving to others and always rebuked any recognition for his actions, wanting instead to simply bring others joy. They family wishes to express a grateful thanks to the physicians and staff at Singing River Hospital for the outstanding care and compassion given to Billy in his final journey. Special thanks to Drs Timothy Hiebert, Randy Roth, Catherine Hirsch and Hugo Quintana. The nurses and staff in SICU and the outpatient care services just were wonderful and helped Billy and the family. He joins his father, Mills Ezell, his mother, Mamie Devereaux Ezell, his son Brian Ezell, his sisters Kitty Ezell Bang and Ellen “Peggy” Ezell Tillman, and his brother John L. Ezell in Heaven. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, May Potts Ezell, whom he referred to as his “Gem”, his sons Edward L. Ezell (Hannah) Pascagoula, MS ,Alan W. Ezell (Carol) Richmond, VA, Susan Ezell Nichols (Sam) Ocean Springs,MS , Mamie Ezell Futch (David) Grand Bay, AL, John M.Ezell (Angela) Pascagoula, MS, and grandchildren Tracy Ezell Kington, JoAnn Ezell Batory, Alan W. Ezell Jr., Lane Futch Pilger, Lauren Futch Burlison, John M. Ezell Jr., Hannah S. Ezell, Cody L. Ezell, Brittaney D. Pierce and Brandon L. Pierce and four great grandchildren, Cody A. Silva, Kristopher B. Ezell, Kaitlyn R. Batory and Judson Hugh Burlison. Sisters Marie Ezell Tillman, Bobbie Ezell Clegg and his brother Milton E. Ezell and many nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation will be Sunday, December 20, 2009 from 5-8pm at Holder-Wells Funeral Home in Moss Point. Funeral service will be 11am Monday, December 21, 2009 at the First Presbyterian Church in Pascagoula, MS. Visitation will be from 9:30 until service time at the church. Interment will follow at Machpelah Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Pascagoula. Pallbearers will be Alan W. Ezell; John M. Ezell, Sr; John M. Ezell, Jr; David C. Futch; Mamie D. Futch; and Cindy A. Rogers. Holder-Wells Funeral Home, Moss Point, MS.

Tributes

Hugh Levelton Ezell

December 6, 1923 - December 13, 2009