Donald Ezell

Donald Goodson Ezell, 75, passed away Tuesday, July 7 at Providence Hospice Place at St. Catherine’s in Waco. Mr. Ezell was born January 24, 1940 at Davidson Hospital in Teague to Sue Ella Goodson and Earl Ezell. He was a 1958 graduate of Buffalo High School. In 1961, he enrolled in Arlington College, now known as the University of Texas at Arlington, and earned an associate’s degree in mechanical engineering. Upon earning his degree, he worked for LTV and Dresser in the DFW area. Later, he moved his family back to Freestone County where he worked for Gilliam Contractors as part owner until his retirement. He married the former Charlene Gilliam on June 10, 1961 at Little Star Baptist Church in Freestone County, and they had two sons: Derrell in 1964, followed by Steve in 1966. The couple lived briefly in Mesquite before making their permanent home in Fairfield. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Fairfield. He was a heavy equipment contractor for more than 45 years, and during his career he cleared many acres of land and constructed many ponds and lakes in Leon and Freestone counties. He helped facilitate many of the massive industrial changes that came during the mid- 20th through the early 21st century to the counties of Freestone, Leon and Limestone. His working years stretched from soil conservation projects to the beginning of the local lignite mining industry through the natural gas boom still playing out throughout the country. After retirement, he enjoyed traveling and working in his yard and garden. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his bride and best friend of 54 years, Charlene. He relished his role as grandfather to all six of his grandchildren, traveling far and wide to their various school events so that when they looked up, he was always there. Mr. Ezell is survived by his wife of 54 years, Charlene Ezell; two sons, Derrell Ezell and wife Tracie of Fairfield and Steve Ezell and wife Rena’ of Haslet; six grandchildren, Tad Ezell, Ty Ezell, Dane Ezell, Sloan Ezell, Ellen Ezell and Jackson Ezell; one sister, Valerie Sharp and husband Leo of Buffalo; Brothers-in-law Eddie Stafford of Mesquite; Fred Gilliam, Robert Gilliam and wife Jacque, all of Buffalo; and Charles Gilliam and wife Kathy of Jewett; and nephews and nieces Jerry Gilliam, Lauri Gilliam Davis, Bonnie Gilliam Massengale, Debbie Gilliam Read, Patricia Gilliam, and David Gilliam, all of Buffalo; Lisa Stafford Sneed of Mesquite, and Scott Stafford of Round Rock. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Lola Stafford of Mesquite. Visitation will be 6-8 pm Thursday, July 9, 2015 at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 2 pm Friday at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Michael Bedevian officiating. Burial will follow at Buffalo Cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandchildren;Tad Ezell, Ty Ezell, Dane Ezell, Sloan Ezell, Ellen Ezell and Jackson Ezell. Honorary pallbearers will be Angie May Bonner Sunday School Class Men, Kevin Benedict, Fred Gilliam. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Providence Hospice Place 6700 Sanger Ave. Waco, Texas 76710 or First United Methodist Church Building Fund 201 N. Mount Fairfield, Texas 75840.

Donald Ezell

January 24, 1940 - July 7, 2015