Terry Alan Ezell, 67, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Fairview Healthcare Residence after a long illness.
Terry was born on August 29, 1957, to James Edward and Emma Earl Chancellor Ezell. He grew up in Fairfield, attended Fairfield High School, and later studied at Texas State Technical College in Waco. A proud patriot, Terry served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He was a dedicated Freemason and longtime member of the Masonic Lodge in Buffalo, Texas. He and his wife, Elaine, were faithful members of Calvary Baptist Church, where Terry found joy singing in the choir.
Throughout his working years, Terry spent much of his career alongside his father in the family’s tire and service station businesses in Buffalo. Later, he continued his profession as an automotive technician in Fairfield. He was happiest when working with his hands. He had a lifelong love of cars and all things related to automobiles, beginning with putting together model cars as a young boy.
Terry was a beautiful soul with a kind heart and gentle spirit. He lived a life grounded in service, faith, and family. He loved music and singing in the choir, enjoyed the outdoors and hunting, and fellowship with friends. He will be remembered as a loving father, husband, brother, uncle, and friend whose warmth and humor touched everyone he knew.
He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Elaine Minchew Ezell; his parents, James Ezell and Emma Alewine; and his sister, Tabitha Doss.
Terry is survived by his children, Alex Ezell and Natilie Portillo; his grandchildren, Nathaniel Munoz, Riley Portillo, Lorin Luna, Phoebe and Laila Hanzelka, Toby Taylor, Wyatt Ezell, and Connor Ezell; and his siblings, Tracie Chancellor, Mollie Glick, Cindy Wood, Jimmy Ezell, and Timothy Ezell.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff, nurses, and caregivers of Fairview Healthcare Residence and Solaris Hospice for their devoted care and support throughout Terry’s journey.
Services will be held at Capps Funeral Chapel, 113 E. College, Fairfield, Texas 75840:
Visitation: Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Funeral: Friday, August 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
Interment: Friday, August 29, 2025, at Chancellor Union Cemetery, PR 3285, near the entrance to Fairfield Lake (formerly Fairfield State Park).
