Eddie Keath Mazell quietly slipped away on Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, at his residence. He was born the third child to Walter and Catherine Jackson Mazell on May 22, 1959, in Suffolk. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Walter Mazell Jr.; and a sister, Leslie Mazell Konate. Eddie was a proud member of the Red Raiders basketball and football teams at Suffolk High School. He matriculated at St. Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, where he was a member of the football team. Eddie later served in the U.S. Marine Corps. At his demise, he was employed with Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipbuilding for 35 years and was an active member of the United Steelworkers Union, Local 8888.

He leaves to cherish his memory a wife of 32 years, Tracey Hunt-Mazell; his children, Eddie Mazell II (Nicholia) and Chrystal Mazell; sisters, Vivian Jackson Bryant (Reginald), Jackie Mazell Turner (Johnny); grandchildren, Alonte Byrd, Teyona Mazell, Christian Mazell and Randy Rombach; an uncle; Charles Jackson (Gloria); a niece; Stephanie Lassiter (Mack); Nephews, Darryl Bryant (Gwynet), Derrick Bryant (Tiffany), Jordan and Michael Copeland; mother and father-in-law, David and Katie Hunt; three brothers-in-law, one sister-in-law, great-nieces, great-nephews, many cousins and friends. Eddie cherished his relationship with two high school friends, Leon “Butch” Patton, and Dwight Harper. In fact, he last spoke with Butch on Sunday and Dwight on Monday, before he passed. He looked forward to the times when they spoke and were in each other’s presence.

If you knew Eddie, you knew there were a few things that excited him: the Washington Redskins, Los Angeles Lakers and a family cookout. Though he never volunteered, he somehow was always behind the grill. Although he had health challenges, you never heard him complain. Without him, our lives will never be the same!

A visitation with family will be Saturday and Sunday at 1341 Cherokee Court. A celebration of life will be held at noon Monday, Jan. 29, 2018, at Metropolitan Baptist Church. He will be laid to rest in Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home Inc.