John Ezzell Obituary

John Russell Ezzell, PhD MT. PLEASANT - John Russell (Russ) Ezzell, Ph.D., age 79, Professor Emeritus of Penn State University, passed away on March 30, 2022 in Charleston, South Carolina. A celebration of life will be held at 1 o'clock pm Saturday, April 9, 2022 at Grace Church Cathedral with the Very Reverend J. Michael A. Wright, Dean officiating. A reception will follow the service at Hanahan Hall. Russ was born in Russellville, Alabama to Austin and Ione Ezzell on May 11, 1942. He married Sarah Kay Best on March 17, 1962 in Columbus, Ohio. He earned his Bachelor's and Master's of business administration degrees from Ohio State University and his Doctorate degree from Pennsylvania State University. He was on the faculty at Penn State University from 1970 to 2002 and created the Miles-Ezzell equation during his tenure, as well as published many papers on corporate finance. He was a member of Grace Church Cathedral. Russ is preceded in death by his parents, Austin and Ione Ezzell. His family will miss his unparalleled sense of humor and quick wit. Russ was a talented folk artist and musician. He played the guitar, mandolin, ukulele and banjo. Throughout his lifetime, he was an avid student of theology. Russ is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Sarah Ezzell, as well as his children, John Ezzell, Cora (Michael) de Arellano, Joe (Allison) Ezzell, and brothers, Ray (Linda) Ezzell and David (Pam) Ezzell; six grandchildren, Abigail de Arellano, Andrew de Arellano, Katie Ezzell, Carter Ezzell, Lucas de Arellano, and Hayes de Arellano. Lastly, he will be missed by Woody, his furry companion of seven years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org) or Grace Church Cathedral (98 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC 29401). The Ezzells wish to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Rex Morgan for his many years of kind and compassionate care, as well as the extraordinary team of doctors, nurses, and aides at the Medical University of South Carolina, East Cooper Medical Center, Hospice of Charleston and Home Instead. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston