William Edward "Edward" Ezzell, born on August 5, 1940, in Goldsboro, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025, at the age of 84. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carole Stipe Ezzell of Ocean Isle Beach, NC, and his parents, William and Lucille Ezzell of Goldsboro, NC.

Edward is survived by his brother, Bobby Ezzell of Louden, TN (children Shari of Hamden, CT and Lauren of Chicago, IL); his children: Bazz Ezzell (wife Audrea, children Anna, William, Noah, Maggie, Owen) of Loganville, GA; Kelly Vrtis (husband Matt, children Amelia and Franklin) of Carmel, IN; and Jonathan Ezzell (wife Carrie, children Adeline, Eli, and Claire) of Jacksonville, FL.

Edward graduated from the University of North Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in history in 1962 and a master’s in history education in 1964. He furthered his expertise during his career by earning a certificate in Asian Studies from the East-West Center at the University of Hawaii in 1969 and receiving grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities as a summer institute fellow at Yale University in 1977 and Columbia University in 1980. His passion for history led him to a 38-year teaching career, teaching History, World Civilizations and various Asian history courses, with most of his tenure at Dekalb College in Decatur, Georgia (now part of Georgia State University).

Known for his kindness, compassion, and unwavering work ethic, Edward was a voracious reader with a deep love for books of all genres, including history, ethics, politics, essays, and fiction. He also loved music, particularly folk and rock artists like Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, and Creedence Clearwater Revival, as well as musicals and classical music, especially Gilbert and Sullivan, Vivaldi, and Beethoven. He was also a certified Master Gardener and always kept a vegetable garden at his home. Edward was also a skilled carpenter and mechanic and had a love of photography his entire life. His love for animals was evident from the many dogs and cats he owned and the numerous strays he adopted and loved throughout his life.

Edward's marriage to Carole was a testament to their deep love and mutual respect. He cherished her honesty, individuality, and creativity, always supporting her endeavors with genuine admiration. Their partnership was filled with shared joys, from boating and traveling to cheering on the Braves, their bond and commitment to each other remained strong until Carole's passing in 2021.

Edward's legacy is one of dedication to education, family, and the simple joys of life. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

A funeral service will be held at Brunswick Funeral Service Chapel in Shallotte, North Carolina, on Friday, January 17th, at 2:00 PM, with burial services to follow. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family would sincerely appreciate a donation to National Public Radio (https://www.npr.org/donations/support) in Edward's memory.