Jesse Lee “J.L.” Ely, 80, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, finished his last ride on this earth, Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at his home with his bride of 60 years, by his side.
Services will be held 11AM, Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Paulk Funeral Home Chapel in Fitzgerald, Georgia, with David Melton officiating. Burial will follow in the Douglas City Cemetery, Douglas, Georgia. The family will receive friends from, 6 PM until 8 PM, on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the funeral home.
J.L. was born February 16, 1945, in Douglas, Georgia to the late, John Marion Sr. and Jessie Mae Tapley Ely. He was the youngest of 8 children. All of his siblings had nicknames or “special” names they were known by growing up and J.L. was known as “Snookum”. This name followed him to becoming Uncle Snookum to his nieces and nephews. He grew up simply, learning to farm, play marbles and enjoy a good joke. He attended West Green Elementary and graduated from Coffee County High School in 1963. He served honorably in the United States Army from 1966 until 1968. He was not only proud of his service but the fact that every one of his brothers were able to serve as well. He retired in 2005 after 42 years of service as a Conductor for CSX. He was known by coworkers as BamBam, always being a stickler for the rules. After retirement, Mr. J.L. enjoyed camping trips with his family and horseback riding. J.L. was of the Baptist faith.
He is survived by his wife, Janice Ely; daughters: Kathy & Bobby Avant of Fitzgerald and Angela & Rev. David During of Valdosta; grandchildren: Sierra & Reed Bailey of Vail, Arizona, Emily During of Valdosta, Krystopher Avant of Fitzgerald, Robbie Avant of Fitzgerald and Josh Avant of Fitzgerald; great grandchildren: Nola Bailey, Ava Avant, Aiden Avant, Emory Avant; and a sister-in-law, Eloise Ely of Douglas. Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings: Louise Hayes, Ray Ely, J.M. Ely, Merle Ely, Marvin Ely, Tiny Bray and Walter Ely.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Paulk Funeral Home, Fitzgerald, is in charge of arrangements.