Ezekiel Howell was born on December 28, 1931 in Henning, Tennessee in Lauderdale County, to the union of the late Eldridge and Charity Howell. Ezekiel received his education in the public school system in Henning, Tennessee. Upon completion of his educational journey, he was drafted, served and is a veteran of the Korean War.

Ezekiel met and married Gertrude Tiller and to this union a child was born, Jermaine Howell. He was employed with Max German Meat Company until he retired. Ezekiel confessed Christ and joined Southern Mission Missionary Baptist Church in East St. Louis, Illinois.

Ezekiel also known as "Big Daddy" was a loving father and great friend to many. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to all he came in contact with. He was very independent, still driving at 87 years old. He liked to hang out with the "McDonald Crew". And he also enjoyed his sports, watching the St. Louis Cardinals and Rams play.

On Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at 8:23pm, Ezekiel Howell departed this life to take his rest in the bosom of God. Waiting for him besides his parents, were his sister, Edna (Charlie) Boddie and his brother, both preceding him in death.

Ezekiel (The Boss) leaves to cherish his memory his sons, Jermaine Howell of East St. Louis, IL and Sandy (Anita) Smith of Ripley, TN; one daughter, Yolanda (Kent) Williams of Louisville, KY; 3 granddaughters, Celena (Martress) Shaw of Ripley, TN, Contessa (Eric) Caldwell of Nashville, TN and Andrianna Smith of Ripley, TN; two grandsons, Cameron Smith of Ripley, TN and Jermaine Howell, Jr. of East St. Louis, IL; four great grandchildren, BreAndra Whitley, Jalin Shaw, Kodee Shaw of Ripley, Tn and Ja'Klya Brown of Nashville, TN; one nephew, Charlie (Yvonne) Boddie of Batavia, IL; and a host of relatives and friends.