Rt. Major Paul W. Ezell, Jr.

Rt. Columbus Police Department Major Paul W. Ezell, Jr. 67, of Columbus, Georgia died Monday, June 17, 2024 at Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown Hospital.

Funeral services will be held 3:00 PM Friday, June 21, 2024 in the chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 2:50 pm before the services at the funeral home.. A private interment will be held in Parkhill Cemetery.

Paul is survived by his wife, Terri of 45 years and siblings Jerry W. Hughes (wife Humg, son Janye and L. Hughes), Jeannie Hughes Smith (daughter Andrea Smith) and Vicki Ezell Davis husband Mike, daughters Sara David, Amanda & Paul McCart, Pamela & Joey Dollar, sister-in-law, Beverly Yarbrough (husband Sid), brother-in-law Maurice Booth (daughters Kacie, Payton, Lauren), and mother-in-law Judy R. Booth.  Paul's preceded by brothers Mickey Hughes (wife Susie, son William Davis), and William David Hughes.

After beginning his career at the Columbus Police Department in 1976 as a cadet, Paul made his way from Patrol Officer, Detective, Director of 911, and eventually retiring as a Major over multiple departments.  Paul worked security for many events but his favorite was working the Columbus Cottonmouths hockey team.  It wasn’t just the sport that he enjoyed but more so everyone associated with the team from the owners to anyone on staff from 1996-2019.

While working full-time on the CPD, Paul earned his bachelor’s and master’s degree from Columbus State University in Criminal Justice.

With Paul and Terri’s tireless efforts, the inseparable couple hosted most every holiday and numerous social events. Through these gatherings, they were able to display their exceptional cooking skills and all-inclusive love to any and everyone.

The two of them shared a great love for all animals and they never let any stray go without eating.  It has been said that any homeless animal that they came across had won the lottery.

All nieces and nephews considered Paul to be the absolute best uncle that, ‘anyone could ever have!’  Paul made it an absolute priority to support every event that any family member was having.  No matter the situation, Paul would be there and greeting with a gentle and sincere smile that was endearing to everyone.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Paws Humane Society of Columbus, Ga.