Jimmie Reed Ellzey

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15 Jimmie Reed “Jim” Ellzey, 95, passed peacefully from this life into the presence of his Savior on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, surrounded by those he loved. Born on February 16, 1928, to Bill and Shellie Parker Ellzey, Jim grew up in the Soso community as one of nine children. He spent his childhood roaming the woods and fishing with his brothers and sisters. He married the love of his life, Damaris Parker, in 1954. He spent his early career and marriage in the United States Air Force, first deployed to Vietnam and, later, Korea. During this time, Jim and Damaris were stationed across the globe, spending time in several countries and US states. They were blessed with two daughters — Jan in 1958, and Brenda in 1962. Over the years, they helped plant churches across Florida and back home in Jones County. Upon retiring from the service in 1968, Jim and his family returned to Laurel and he found a new career with the USDA. Jim retired from his second career in 1993 and began his third - that of full-time grandfather and gardener. He spent his later years ministering to others through the bounty of his garden and teaching Sunday School. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Damaris Parker Ellzey; his daughters, Jan Bustin Walker (Eddie) and Brenda Smith; his grandchildren, Caroline Bustin Burks (Cory), Spenser Nations, and Danielle Nations Brasher (Nick); and great grandchildren, Brantley Rothley, Olivia Burks, and Maddox Brasher. He is also survived and remembered by his brothers, Todd Ellzey and William (“Tip”) Ellzey; his brothers-in-law, Buck Parker (Mary) and Howard Parker (Billie); his sisters-in-law, Linda Hilbun (Elvin) and Wanda Forte (Frank); his nieces turned caregivers, Gail Garrett, Jimmie Dale Ellzey, and Tonya Hansen; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members that he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Joe Bustin; his brothers, Albert (“Nooke”) Ellzey, Noel Wayne (“Sid”) Ellzey, and Larry Ellzey; his sisters, Iris Gail Ellzey, Etta Lee Purvis, and Jewel Dean; and sister-in-law, Bonnie Brooks. Visitation will be held at Memory Chapel on Friday, August 4, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., with services immediately to follow. Services will be officiated by Bro. Brent Benson, with a graveside service to follow at Indian Springs Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Adam Jones, Guy Ellzey, Dwayne Parker, Tim Parker, Eddie Walker, and Cory Burks. Honorary pallbearers will be Todd Ellzey, Buck Parker, Howard Parker, Elvin Hilbun, Frank Forte. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Jimmie Reed Ellzey

February 16, 1928 - August 1, 2023