Walter Wayne Ezzell, 86, of Watha, North Carolina passed from this earthly life to his eternal rest to be with Jesus on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

Wayne was born on July 24, 1939, in Wilmington, North Carolina. He was the son of the late Andrew J. Ezzell and Margie Elizabeth Ezzell. Wayne was also preceded in death by his wife Betty Jean Dukes Ezzell and brother Carl Rivers Ezzell.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories to his siblings Peggy Padgett and Ronald Ezzell and his wife Bonnie; his nieces Deborah Fowler (Robby), Karen Pacheco, Sharon Johnson (Eddie), Wanda Garriss and Lynn Watkins (Ann); nephews Kenneth Watkins (Trina), Rodney Padgett (Marilyn), Craig Padgett and Riv Ezzell; great nieces Krystle Corbett, Alicia Brewer, Kayla Hernandez (Kevin), Whitney Pacheco, Kelsi Pacheco and Taylor Padgett; great nephew Alex Quate; special Aunt Lucille Rivenbark; special friends Wayne Wheeler, Douglas Garriss, David Garris; numerous extended family and friends that loved Wayne dearly.

Wayne was known for his occupation as a welder at Babcock and Wilcox Boiler, a truck driver for Ezzell Trucking and manager of Lake Leamon Family Campground.  He was a member of Watha Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church where he actively served the Lord. He enjoyed supporting his community as he was born and raised in Watha.  To know him was to love him as he met no strangers.  Wayne will be remembered as a gentle and humble man whose kindness and care for others never went unnoticed.  He enjoyed spending time fishing, hunting and racing - passions that brought him peace, excitement and lifelong friendships with those he loved the most. Though he may be gone, Wayne "Uncle" will never be forgotten and will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel with Pastor Rodney Bonham officiating.

Committal service will follow the service at Riverview Memorial Park in Watha.

Casketbearers will be Scott Dale, Wayne Wheeler, Kenneth Watkins, Hector Usorio, Kevin Hernandez and Charles Newman.

Honorary casketbearers will be Douglas Garriss and David Garris.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday, one hour prior to the service at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home.

You may share your memories and send condolences to the family by selecting our Tribute Wall above.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Wallace, NC