Sam Bailey Ezell, age 84, passed away on September 24, 2025, at Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia, Tennessee. He was born on October 4, 1940, in Chapel Hill, Tennessee, to the late Edward Ezell and the late Ruby O’Kelley Lambert.

A longtime resident of Tennessee, Sam was a member of the Little Lot Church of Christ. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany.

Sam had a lifelong passion for raising game fowl, a hobby he began at the age of 12. He was widely known across the United States for his renowned Ezell Kelso bloodline. Over the years, he worked as a feeder pig and livestock buyer and plant worker, eventually dedicating himself full-time to raising his fowl. Two years ago, due to declining health, Sam made the difficult decision to step away from raising chickens, saying he knew Dorothy could not take care of them alone.

He shared 37 loving years with his longtime companion, Dorothy Baker, who was the love of his life and steadfast partner through everything.

Sam is survived by Dorothy Baker; his sister, Betsy Benz; his lifelong friend of over 50 years, Wayne Thompson; Jessica (Dustin) Tidwell and Katie Qualls, who were like family to him; two half-brothers, Jim Ezell and Adam Ezell; and two half-sisters, Dee Housch and Chris Holton of Chapel Hill.

He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Joe Lambert and stepmother, Betty Ezell, and infant brother, Joseph Ezell.

Visitation with the family will be 26 Sep 2025 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM and 27 Sep 2025 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at McDonald Funeral Home – Hickman County with Funeral Services to follow at 11:00 AM.  Burial will be in the Little Lot Cemetery, Lyles, TN with Bill McDonald officiating.