Frederick Ulysses Ezell
Mr. Frederick Ulysses Ezell, a longstanding resident of Sawyerville, transitioned from this world on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the DCH Regional Medical Center, Tuscaloosa. God called and he answered. Born to the late Ulysses and Sarah Ezell (both prominent educators in the Hale County School System), Fred, affectionately known as “Junior,” was raised by loving parents alongside his older siblings, Tony and Sister, along with a myriad of first cousins. He confessed hope in Christ at an early age and was baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost by the late Rev. W.E. Patton, becoming a member of the Springfield Missionary Baptist Church. Fred was a proud member of the graduating class of 1972 at the Greensboro Public School East Campus. While there, he gained the nickname “Star” from his classmates who admired his swagger and cool demeanor. He attended the Alabama A&M University in Normal, Alabama; Daniel Payne College in Birmingham; and the Tuskegee Institute Job Corps. Afterwards, Fred relocated to Opelika, where he worked as a welder. Throughout his life, he was never afraid to try his hand at various endeavors, working with ranchers, FEMA, and the Alabama Farmer’s Federation, among other entities. He was a true outdoorsman whose passions were reflected in horsemanship, heavy machinery, and high-performance automobiles. To know Fred was to love him. The heavens will shine brighter tonight because it has gained another star. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ulysses and Sarah Ezell, and his sister, Dr. Sandra L. Ezell. He leaves to cherish his memory: a loving daughter, Elvie Gray (Anthony); a grandson, Calvin Black Jr.; a great-grandson, Calvin Black, III; a brother, Rev. Toronzo Ezell; two nieces, Toronya Ezell and Terricka Ezell; two aunts, Ethel Ezell-Duncan and Meloneal Hobson; along with a host of family and friends who will fondly recall the moments they shared.
Thomas Leroy Norris
Thomas LeRoy “Tom” or ”Tommy” Norris passed away August 1, 2026 at age 75. Beloved husband of Wanda Baird Norris for 48 years. Proud and loving father of Jeremy Norris (Courtney) and grandfather of Avi Norris. Dear son of the late Chester Alton Norris and the late Blanche Hood Brennan, and brother of Karen Nelson (the late Kenny) and David Norris (Kim). Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, friends, and church family members. Tom proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and was a deputy sheriff; he retired from Oakland County, Mich., after 28 years of service, beginning his career in Tuscaloosa County, Ala. Tom had a strong faith in Jesus Christ and was an active member at Warren Woods Baptist Church. Funeral service followed by burial was at Memory Chapel Funeral Home & Memory Hill Gardens, Tuscaloosa, on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 3 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Warren Woods Baptist Church, 14251 E. 12 Mile Rd., Warren, MI 48088, on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 11 a.m.