Gregory L. Ezell, Sr.

Gregory Leon Ezell passed away peacefully on May 4, 2024, with his family by his side. Known to his family as "Leon", he was born on May 11, 1949, in Mobile, AL. The family later moved to the Pacific Northwest, joining members of the Mitchell clan who were already settled in Seattle.  His uncle, Norman Mitchell, (Gregory Leon’s mother’s brother) organized and pastored Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church in Seattle for years. While living in Seattle, his mother, Alfreda Mitchell Ezell, met and married Eddie Lee McDonald, who became Greg’s stepfather. He played a pivotal role in shaping him into the responsible father and man he was.

Greg attended Lakes High School in Tacoma and Garfield High School in Seattle, where he ran track and made lifelong friends. That high school experience is where he met the one who would become his lasting love, Brenda L. Byrd. Leon graduated from Garfield in 1968 and married Brenda the following year. 

Shortly after their marriage, Greg was called into military service. He dedicated ten years to the US Army, which included a year in Vietnam. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, three Good Conduct Medals and two Overseas Service Bars. During his military service, he gained invaluable training and experience in telecommunications. This experience paved the way for his civil service career as a Lead Telecommunications System Installer for the Department of Defense at White Sands Missile Range, NM. His dedication to service continued for 30 years, marking a significant chapter in his life, earning a comfortable living and raising his family in El Paso, TX.

Greg was not just strong-willed and stubborn; he also had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor that brought laughter to those around him. He had an amazing memory and told entertaining stories, sometimes with a hint of exaggeration. He was clever and full to the brim with knowledge gained through his life experiences, and always ready to share a funny anecdote.

Greg had a zest for life and a range of interests that brought him joy. He cherished his family and enjoyed spending time with them, whether fishing, gardening, or hosting backyard barbeques. Greg also had a passion for restoring classic cars, and he was often found in his garage underneath a hood. His green thumb was evident in his backyard, where he grew the best collards in the city (or so he said). And he loved relaxing in his meticulously manicured yard, a testament to his love for nature and southern farming roots.

Greg’s love for his family was evident. Together with Brenda, they raised three remarkable children. His legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren, who were the joy of his life. Sonja, now Sonja Ezell Bradford, married to Gerald Bradford, gave them two granddaughters, Brooke (married to Gabriel Sanders) and Sierra. Gregory, Jr., married to Jessica, added a grandson, Braxton. Troy, married to Jasmine, blessed them with two additional grandchildren, Harper and Miles.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, his children and grandchildren, brothers Curtis Ezell, Jr., Bobby McDonald, and Sean McDonald; sisters Lue Violet Ezell and Patricia Ann Hopkins, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his family and friends. He truly loved each of them. And if you knew him, you knew it. He will be missed dearly. 

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