SHELBY- Rev. Dr. J.M. Ezell, 94, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Wednesday, May 17, 2017, at Testa Family Hospice House in Kings Mountain. A native of Polk County, he was the son of the late Murphy and Dorcas Davis Ezell. He proudly served in the Navy, and faithfully served his Lord his entire life, thru his church ministry. He retired from Bethel Baptist Church. He was a loving father, husband, friend and pastor.

PRECEDED: In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Oleta White Ezell; two brothers; and three sisters.

SURVIVED: He is survived by his wife, Mildred Sarratt Ezell, of the home; sons, Rev. Jimmy Ezell and wife Diane of Wilmington, DE., Timothy Ezell of Rutherfordton, and Paul Ezell of Boiling Springs; daughter, Bonita Truitt and husband Jim of Evans, GA; grandchildren, Connie Cardona, David Truitt, Michael and Brian Ezell, River, Megan, and Melanie Ezell; and 11 great-grandchildren.

VISITATION: The family will receive friends Saturday, 5:30-7:30pm, at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home

FUNERAL SERVICES: Funeral services will be held Sunday, 5:30pm, at Bethel Baptist Church

OFFICIATING: Drs. Tim Sims and Johnny Hunt will officiate

BURIAL: Will follow Monday, 11am, at Mountain View Baptist Church Cemetery, Rutherfordton.

MEMORIALS: Bethel Baptist Church, 606 S. Dekalb St, Shelby, NC 28150

FUNERAL HOME: Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby

ONLINE CONDOLENCES: www.claybarnette.com