Charles Eben Ezell

Charles Eben Ezell, 82 of Fordyce was born February 6, 1941 to Charles (Charlie) Ezell and Robbie Lavern Erwin Ezell in New Edinburg, AR. He passed away Thursday July 27, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Emma Jean Ezell; an infant son, Charles Edward Ezell; three brothers, Larry Hart, Tracy Hart, and Larry Ezell.
Charles met Emma Jean and Married April 2, 1961. They had four children, Diana, Charles Edward, Cyndi, and Jeff. During Charles’ early life, he was a member of the Jaycees, and coached a number of local boys in baseball. He volunteered along with Emma for the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life.
Charles was a member of Beech Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where he dedicated his life to the Lord. Charles was a welder by trade, and was also a volunteer firefighter and served as chief for the Kingsland Volunteer Fire Department. He also had hobbies such as making stained glass and growing a garden. Charles never met a stranger or child who didn’t know him as “Papa”.
He is survived by his daughters, Diana Lynn Ray, Cynthia Ann Mitchell; and son, William Jeffery Ezell (Amanda); his grandchildren, Adrian David Minton, Rodney Edward Kirkpatrick (Charity), Tyler Jordan Mitchell, Kevin Lee Ray (Jordan), Kerry Lynn Ray (Jessica), Joshua William Ezell, Melissa Ezell, Noel Ezell and a host of great-grandchildren; a brother, Bill Ezell and sister, Brenda Ezell and Jody Hainey (Jamie).
The family will receive friends Sunday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday at the Benton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Travis Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery. Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net .