Dr. Keith Ezell

Dr. Keith Ezell, age 54 of Harris, North Carolina, died Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at Hospice House in Forest City.  Keith was born on September 24, 1969, in Spartanburg County, South Carolina and was a son of Dorothy Robbins Cooper and the late Larry Eugene Ezell. 

He was a faithful member of Sulphur Springs Baptist Church where he served as both Choir and Youth & Childrens Director.  Keith loved his church family and bringing the love of Christ to the children and youth was one of his greatest joys.

He was educated in the Rutherford County Schools, first at Harris Elementary School and Chase High School where he graduated in the Class of 1987. Pursuing a career in education, he received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of North Carolina at Asheville as well as earning both a Masters and Doctorate of Education from Gardner-Webb University. 

Teaching was his first love and as an educator, he was dedicated to the education of children.  He began his teaching career at Rutherfordton Elementary School and later served as Assistant Principal at Spindale Elementary School.  He went on to become Principal at Mt. Vernon-Ruth Elementary School and finally as Principal at Harris Elementary School where he retired.  As a principal, he earned the respect and admiration of both students and faculty. He was especially honored to serve as Principal at Harris Elementary, the school where his educational journey began.    

Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Angela Toney Ezell, his sons, Noah, Jacob, and Jonah Ezell, all of the home, his mother and step-father, Dorothy Robbins Cooper and Stanley Cooper of Rutherfordton, his brothers, Scott Ezell and wife Pam, and Reverend Bryan Ezell and wife Sharon, all of Rutherfordton, his step-sister, Beth Biggerstaff and husband Billy of Chesnee, as well as nieces and nephews that he adored. 

The funeral service will be held at 11 o’clock on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Holly Springs Baptist Church with the Reverend Ethan Gardner and the Reverend Sidney Calhoun officiating.  The family will receive friends from 9 until 10:45 Saturday morning in the Sanctuary at Holly Springs.  Interment will be private for his family at Sulphur Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Sulphur Springs Baptist Church, 221 Sulphur Springs Church Road, Forest City, North Carolina 28043.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.