Thomas Ray
Ezekiel
November 3, 1945 - February 6, 2021
Thomas Ray Ezekiel, 75, of Florence, Alabama, left his earthly home and entered the gates of Glory on February 6, 2021, at North Alabama Medical Center. He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Myrtle Ezekiel, siblings: Pat Ezekiel, David Ezekiel, Paul Ezekiel, and Linda Lard.
Visitation will be Tuesday, February 9, 12:00 noon-1:00 p.m. at Underwood Baptist Church.
Funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Bro. Doug Farris and Bro. Donnie McDaniel officiating. Interment will be at Canaan Methodist Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Blake Hargett, Ben Ezekiel, Seth Ezekiel, Hunter Smith, Chris Ezekiel and David Ezekiel. Nephews will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Donna Lovell Ezekiel. Children: Suzanne Thompson (Tim) and Eric Ezekiel (Scarlett). Grandchildren: Caroline Smith (Hunter), Blake Hargett (Leah), Ben Ezekiel, and Seth Ezekiel, and great grandson, Evan Hargett. Siblings: Brenda Gooch, Bobby Ezekiel, Nina Condrey, and Roger Ezekiel.
He devoted his life to the Lord, his family, and to serving others. He was a member of the United States Army, having served in the Korean Conflict, Germany, and the Vietnam War. After leaving the military, he continued public service by joining the Florence Police Department in 1971. During his tenure at the police department, he served in many capacities, including patrol, bomb squad (technician for six northern Alabama counties), detective, chaplain, and several supervisory roles before retiring as Captain in 2003.
Following retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially with his grandchildren in his shop. If you knew him at all, you knew how he loved his family and his country. Ray was a true patriot.
We as his family have comfort knowing that he is with his heavenly Father. Ray lived with the hope of Heaven in his heart. He loved the Lord and showed the love of Christ to everyone he met. We extend special thanks to Dr. Lyman Mitchell for his many years of care.
Psalm 121:1 says, “I lift my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of Heaven and earth. Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.”
Visitation
February 9, 2021
12:00 pm
Visitation
Underwood Baptist Church, Alabama 157, Florence, AL, USA
February 9, 2021 12:00 pm
Get DirectionsFuneral
February 9, 2021
1:00 pm
Funeral
Underwood Baptist Church, Alabama 157, Florence, AL, USA
February 9, 2021 1:00 pm
Get DirectionsInterment
February 9, 2021
2:00 pm
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18 Comments on “Thomas Ray Ezekiel”
God bless this wonderful family. Ray was such a wonderful man and was so kind. You are all in our prayers.
Ray was a very humble man, all the years I have known him, I’ve never heard anyone say a bad word about him. I know he loved his family and he is now walking the streets of gold.
So sorry bout Ray! My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Donna and all of the family at this sad time. God Bless you all!
Truly one of the most wonderful, kindest men I’ve ever known. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Donna, Eric, Suzanne and families – my love and prayers are with you all right now. May God give you comfort at this time.
Such a kind, compassionate Man. Loved the Lord and his Family. He left such a Great Christian Legacy for his Children and Grandchildren. Donna, I am praying for you and the family. I can truly identify with your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. So sorry for your loss. May God bless you and hold you close in his loving arms, giving you strength and comfort.
Captain Ezekiel was one of my Captains at the Florence Police Department.
He had an heart of gold .
He will truly be missed .
Prayers goes up for the family 🙏🏽
Such a good man and wonderful officer.
So sorry for your loss Donna and family
Prayers going up for the family.
We are so sorry Donna and family – Ray was a truly good man and law enforcement officer. I am proud and blessed to have known him. Delta and Lance Smith
Rest in peace Capt. I worked for Ray most of my career till he retired. He was a great cop, mentor and friend. He will be missed.
I just read about Ray’s passing. Prayers for the family. After reading his obituary;he was quite a guy. He had a heart for serving his country and later his community. Prayers for his family during this time.
Dorothy Skipworth Gargis
My Thoughts and Prayers go out to the family and friends and coworkers. I worked with Captain at the Florence Police Department as a Dispatcher. I would like to said it was an honor to work with Captain he was a truly Godly man. We will all miss you. Rest In Peace in your Heavenly Home.
Donna, Suzanne, Eric and family,
I was heartbroken to learn of Ray’s passing. Our Savior’s arms were open wide to receive Ray into his eternal home. I know what a difficult time this is right now but Ray left a lasting legacy in his wonderful family. What a Godly man he was and a truly wonderful example to his family and all those he loved or came in contact with. Ray was a shining light in the community and the kind of man who you could trust to lead by example. His 34 years of service to this community as a kind and just law enforcement officer is unequaled. Ray was a kind, soft spoken man and it was evident he loved the Lord. He loved his family and it is evident his family love him and the example he set by the life he lived. Please now that you are all loved and are in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. May God’s loving arms surround you and embrace you as you face the days ahead and know that you will all be reunited again some day. With Love and Sincere Condolences! Deborah and Phil Howard
Suzanne, I am so saddened to hear of your loss. My prayer is for God to fill your heart and mind with sweet memories that bring you joy and comfort.❤️