October 27, 2026, 84, SNOW HILL, NC — Edward “Ed” Ezzell, 84, of Snow Hill, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Ed was born on March 4, 1942, in Goldsboro, North Carolina, to the late Romus Ezzell and Aliease Daniels Ezzell.
A graduate of East Carolina College, now East Carolina University (ECU), Ed dedicated more than 30 years to educating students as a mathematics teacher with Wayne County Public Schools. He taught at Goldsboro High School before retiring from Eastern Wayne High School. Teaching was more than a career for Ed; it was a calling. He loved his students and the opportunity to make a difference in their lives, and he was fondly remembered and cherished by hundreds of graduates throughout the years.
In addition to teaching, Ed loved all kinds of sports and coached basketball, football, and golf. He also refereed both basketball and football throughout the years. Ed shared his avid love of golf as the golf coach at Eastern Wayne High School. Golf remained one of his greatest passions throughout his life. Among his proudest accomplishments was organizing the Deacon Jones Golf Tournament at Lane Tree Golf Club, an endeavor that reflected both his love for the game and his gift for bringing people together. Through golf and poker, especially Texas Hold’em, Ed built lasting friendships that he treasured dearly. He also enjoyed cheering on his beloved Los Angeles Dodgers and watching Carolina basketball.
Some of Ed’s fondest memories dated back to his childhood, when he played baseball and earned the nickname “Butter Bean” on the ball field. He had his own particular tastes when it came to food, with fried chicken and boiled potatoes among his favorites. For more than 50 years, Parker’s Barbecue in Wilson held a special place in his routine.
Ed was a man who appreciated life’s simple pleasures and never needed much to be happy. He was grateful for the family, friends, and experiences that filled his years. Even during his journey with cancer, Ed found meaning in sharing his experience, reflecting on its impact on his life, and recognizing how it ultimately brought him closer to the Lord. His faith, gratitude, and love for those around him were an important part of his journey.
Ed’s greatest legacy will be the lives he touched, the friendships he nurtured, and the love he shared with his family. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Harris Ezzell, of Snow Hill; two daughters, Lisa Ezzell-Weeks and her husband, Danny, of Mount Olive, and Dana Ezzell of Raleigh; two stepchildren, Brad Fields and his wife, Carmen, of LaGrange, and Brooke Fields of Snow Hill; his sister, Faye Enriquez and her husband, Joe, of Goldsboro; three grandchildren, Daniel Weeks of Raleigh, Gracelyn Gay of Raleigh, and Marli Weeks of Mount Olive; and one step-granddaughter, Laura Marie Jones.
In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his sisters, Cora Sassano, Lynette Williams, and Francis Harrell, all of Goldsboro; and his half-brothers, Bill Seymour and Jim Seymour.
Visitation and a memorial service will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026, at Seymour Funeral Home with Pastor Scott Hardy officiating. Visitation will begin at 6 pm, with the service in the chapel following at 7 pm. The family will receive friends following the service as well. Burial will take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 11 am at Mewborn Church Cemetery, located at 3050 Mewborn Church Road in Snow Hill, NC.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Gentiva Hospice for the compassion, kindness, and care provided to Ed and his family during the last three months of his life.
Family and friends are welcome to visit during the scheduled services and at other times at the home of Donna Ezzell, 6138 Hwy 903 S., Snow Hill, NC.
Online condolences may be shared through Ed’s memorial tribute at seymourfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cures for the Colors, through Southeastern Cancer Care, at www.southeasterncancercare.org.
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