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Norman Ezell Obituary
Norm was born on October 7, 1941 in Chelsea, Alabama and then moved with his family to Albuquerque, New Mexico where he spent the majority of his younger years. In high school, he excelled in sports and as a senior was selected to New Mexico All State Football team as a wide receiver.
After his senior year, Norm attended Southeastern University in Durant, OK on a football scholarship where he also earned a bachelor's degree in history.
It was during his time at Southeastern, that Norm and four other men formed the rock band "Mutineers", and they performed in various night clubs located around the university.
They were discovered and signed to a record contract by Abnak Records, changed their names to the "Five Americans" and in the summer of 1965, released their first top forty hit "I See The Light". This was followed by a string of hits. Then came their biggest hit, "Western Union", which sold in excess of one million records. More top forty hits followed until 1969 when the band broke up.
Norm moved to southern California and played in various local night clubs.
In January of 1975, Norm met the love of his life, "Jesus Christ" and he served the Lord faithfully for the next 35 years. He founded two churches as well as his own "Gloryland Ministries". He produced five gospel albums and three gospel books. In between, he spent 15 years teaching special education students for Taft, and Stockton school districts. He was a member of Zion Christian Fellowship in Lodi, CA.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Clyde and Fannie Ezell and brother in-law Jim Greeson.
He is survived by his son Joshua Ezell; brothers, Roland (Dolly), Leonard, and Rodney (Glena) Ezell; sister, Lucile Greeson. He is also survived by many other family members, church members and friends who he loved very much.
Friends and family are invited to a viewing to be held on Thursday, May 20 at Lodi Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
A chapel service will be held on Friday, May 21, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at Lodi Funeral Home with Pastor Dick Patterson officiating. A reception to follow the memorial, at "His Place", 17238 Bruella Rd., Victor, CA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in Norm's memory to the Bank of Stockton at P.O. Box 759, 120 W. Walnut St., Lodi, CA. 95241. A virtual register book may be signed at www.lodifuneralhome.com where memories can be shared.
Lodi Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Norman Ezell
Michael Orozco
January 25, 2022
Rest in peace. You're always such a good friend I'm glad we met at vessels of Honor Ministries Bakersfield California
Greg
April 4, 2021
I met Norman back in the late''70's when he was ministering in my home town in Southern California. He was so humble and sincere in his ministry for our Lord Jesus and there was no hubrus or conceit in him whatsoever. I was in the throes of a very serious matter at the time of Norman's Homegoing, the diagnosis of my now late first wife with a fatal brain tumor. I rejoice in knowing on this Resurrection Easter Sunday 2021 that Norman and many of my beloved family and friends, including my first wife and my parents, are all celebrating in the Very Presence of our Lord and King Jesus!
Clint & Sue Livengood
May 26, 2010
Norm....a true soldier of the cross. A pleasure to have served with him and soon we shall all be joined together with him in the loving arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Much love to all family and friends. Love and prayers.
Jan Mackey
May 26, 2010
You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand - when I awake, I am still with you.
Psalm 139:1-18 (Today's New International Version)
Dave Dickerson
May 25, 2010
Norm,
you were, and still are my best friend. Never did I have so much fun working on one of the things we both love, music. You were a gift from beyond. I look forward, to see you again.
The whole world will weep for you Norm...
Betty Faller
May 23, 2010
Norm, may you be at peace with your maker, It was a wonderfrul pleasure knowing you. You made me"See The Light" and I will never forget you, I will see you in heaven my brother, God Bless and Keep you.. Love you Forever.... Betty Davis Faller
Betty Faller
May 23, 2010
Goodbye for now to a wonderful man.. Your love for the Lord was fantstic... love you forever.. Betty Davis Faller
Susan Swenson
May 22, 2010
Norm, I will miss you so much. I was so looking forword to seeing you again.
You were a blessing to so many people and to me. I learned so much from you over the years when we were in touch and learned even more from you and your family at the service yesterday. You loved Jesus and you loved people. Your music truly touches me especially
Gettin Old Blues and 24/7 and Gloryland. I will never forget you, I miss you very much. I will see you in Gloryland and maybe you will give me my guitar lesson. You have the most beautiful family I have ever met. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Thank you for allowing me to share in the celebration of Normans life with you all. I will never forget the special time there. I Love You Norman. Thank You for being the man of God I knew.
Mike Glennan
May 21, 2010
Norm.."Tell Ann I Love Her" just played on my iPod and I realized your memorial was going on right now in Lodi. It's been 40 years since I set in with you guys at Lu Anns. You were very kind to a young kid with a guitar....thanks!
Jeremy Beadles
May 21, 2010
Norm was a blessing to those that he was around. He always gave me words of encouragement and helped me with my guitar playing.
Les Beadles
May 21, 2010
Norm,it was an honor to have known you.
To the Ezell family our hearts are with you.
Andy Saunders
May 21, 2010
I remember playing with Norm While I still Lived in Lodi and the one time he visited and ministered out here in Ky. He really touched allot of lives and planted allot of seeds that will forever grow. I will never forget him and its because of him and his encouragement i will forever be playing guitar. i wanted to quit at one time but he changed my mind and encouraged me to keep playing for the lord. To the Ezell family, you are in my prayers and thoughts. Norm's Legacy will be in your hearts, my hearts, and the hearts of many others. It's a great loss for you but a huge gain for the kingdom of God.
Rod Ezell
May 19, 2010
Norm, my brother and my best friend. I'm going to miss you buddy and I can't wait until we can walk the streets of gold together. I Love You
So Very Much.
Joyce Conroy
May 15, 2010
I will remember Norm tonight on my radio show. This is so true. I had an urge to play "Western Union" and as I was doing my research, I learned of Norm's passing and the wonderful things that he accomplished. He is in a good place. My love and sympathy to his family. Norm, you will not be forgotten. Thank you for your contribution and for sharing your talent. Joyce Conroy (WHFC)
BLAINE DEJONG
May 15, 2010
Although I knew Norm only a short time, our love for Christ is brought us together. Norm truely lived his life for JESUS in every since of the word. He devoted the last 35 years of his life to the LORD and he is now with the LOVE of his life, JESUS CHRIST HIS LORD and SAVIOR. Norm, I will miss you brother, till we meet again in HEAVEN. With all my LOVE, Blaine.
Alex Heid
May 13, 2010
Norman was a great dad to my nephew and was always a genuine and spiritual w/ whom all he came into contact.
I and his family by extension will miss him greatly.
Alex Heid - Carmel, CA
Denise Guady-Hughes
May 12, 2010
To the Ezell family: Patrick and I are very sad to hear of your loss. I am so thankful for Norm's love for the Lord and his witness and faith. May you be comforted with knowing that he is in the Arms of Jesus.
Bill Moersch
May 12, 2010
Norm, you were bigger than life in your deep love for the Lord! Your worldly success set the stage for the greatness of God as what you did for the Kingdom of God so far exceeded all the awards of man. You always said "praise the Lord" and I will sincerely miss your upbeat attitude and genuine servant heart.
Last night CHURCH IN THE PARK was not the same without you there. Tears flowed as we fondly remembered your contributions in worship ministry. As for me, thank you for the opportunity to play guitars with you in worship there.... I learned so much from you about what true worship looks.
Where as we miss you we do know where you are... with Jesus. I wish you were here but knowing you are praising the Lord face to face is a fitting reward for such an awesome man of God. We let you go, thank God for you in our lives and very much look forward to being together 24/7 living in Heaven praising my savior all day long!
CIERRA TAYLOR
May 11, 2010
I can remember meeting Norm at Zion, and his smile was just so bright and very welcoming, my son took to him as well, and I am sad at our loss, but very relieved knowing he waloks with the lord now. WE LOVE YOU NORM!
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