Mr. Cory Jackson Ezelle, age 65, passed away on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at his home after a lengthy battle with his health. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until 10:50 AM on Friday, September 29th at First Methodist Church, Shreveport sanctuary. A memorial service will follow, beginning at 11:00 AM. Graveside services will take place on Saturday, September 30th, at Bethesda Baptist Church Cemetery in Terry, MS beginning at 2:00 PM. Drs. Pat Day, Steven Bell, and Ashley Goad will be officiating the memorial service on Friday.
Cory was born in Jackson, MS on December 30th, 1957 to Fred Jackson Ezelle and Katherine Ann Grimes Ezelle. He grew up in a lively household with 3 older siblings and spent his early days like most southern boys did, playing front yard baseball with the neighborhood kids, fighting GI Joe’s, and so much more. He graduated high school from Jackson Preparatory School and then went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Millsaps College, only a block down from where he grew up. This launched him into a lifelong career as an exploration geologist, spending over 40 years in the industry. During that time, he worked at several different oil and gas companies but spent most of his career as the lead Exploration Geologist and eventual Vice President of Exploration at Sklar Exploration. Although his successes and discoveries in the field were plentiful, his ability to explore and find new sources of fuel were driven by his ever-growing curiosity and inquisitive nature. He loved what he did.
By far the most important part of Cory’s life was his deep and uninhibited love for his family and his Savior. Cory crossed paths with the love of his life, Bebe Ogletree, when he was working in Jackson at the start of his career. They were married on December 29, 1984, and ever since have had an unwavering commitment to one another. This led to the growth of their family with two children, Karen Evelyn Ezelle and Christopher Joseph Ezelle. He and Bebe raised the family in Shreveport, LA after moving there in 1991. This small but tightly woven family was Cory’s greatest treasure. His steadfast faith in Christ and strong scriptural knowledge made him a leader to his family, a lighthouse in dark waters. Cory was a voracious reader and enjoyed being a student of the Bible, teaching in his Sunday school classes, and participating in church leadership.
A few of Cory’s favorite hobbies included reading science fiction novels, watching LSU sports and the New Orleans Saints, walking and training his dogs, and listening to his favorite music. He loved so many genres, spanning from Romantic Classical Brahms to Progressive Rock Genesis and passed on this deep love of music to his children. He was fortunate enough to travel to many different countries and see all corners of the world during his life. He especially loved Great Britain, where he felt a strong connection to his ancestral roots.
Anyone who met Cory knows how truly kind, thoughtful, generous, and intelligent he was. His detail-oriented mind made him a great teacher and conversationalist, while at the same time making one feel heard and appreciated. Cory left his mark through his sense of humor, his quips, jokes, and completely original sayings. His silly but charming lines live on with his family. Cory was incredibly strong and courageous throughout his entire life, dealing with medical issues ranging from cancer to heart failure and miraculously overcoming them time and time again. His perseverance and ability to overcome and provide is inspirational. Perhaps his greatest attribute was his character; Cory always stood for what was right in the eyes of God and through that led others towards a more Christ-centered life. He selflessly gave his love, time, and resources to provide for those he loved and was incredibly generous to those in need in his community. As a husband, father, grandfather, and friend, he remained loyal to every single person lucky enough to be a part of his beautiful life.
Cory was preceded in death by his parents and mother-in-law, Rose Evelyn Ogletree. He is survived by his wife Bebe; his daughter Karen, her husband Dane Dumesnil, and their yet-to-be-born son Caleb Joseph Dumesnil; his son Christopher Joseph, Christopher’s wife Ashlon Kay Eubank Ezelle, and their daughter Rose Evelynn Ezelle. He is also survived by his siblings, Ken (and Irene) Ezelle, Charles “Kip” (and Janice) Ezelle, and Karen Redhead; his father in-law Thomas Joseph Ogletree; and his siblings in-law Jody (and Dody) Ogletree, Elizabeth Cosby, Jennifer (and Kevin) Collins, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family suggests that memorials may be made to First Methodist Church of Shreveport, Louisiana.
