The Sabine Hall of Fame recently announced the names of three wonderful parish natives who will be honored with Posthumous Awards at their upcoming spring banquet. The 2026 award-winners to be honored posthumously are Samuel Beasley, Raymond Ebarb, and Carroll Ellzey.
The banquet will be held Tuesday, March 31, at VFW Post 4858 at 1738 San Antonio Ave. in Many at 6:30 PM. The evening will include a seated dinner, entertainment, a wonderful slate of honorees and the unveiling of a bronze plaque. Banquet proceeds will benefit the Harmony Cove Lunch Program, a weekly outreach of Harmony Cove Baptist Church southwest of Florien.
The 2026 Sabine Hall of Fame Posthumous honorees are as follows:
Samuel L. Beasley
Samuel L. Beasley, Sr. was born May 28, 1939, in Natchitoches Parish in the community of Flora. His parents were Mr. Jeff Beasley and Mrs. Louvenia Alberta Williams Beasley. He was the youngest of four children. After his wife’s death, Samuel’s father married again and to that union four additional children were born; in total there were eight children.
Samuel’s conversion to Christianity occurred when he was a young person. His lifelong choice to serve God was at Macedonia Baptist Church of Zwolle. There he was a committed member until his death. He served as the former Chairman of the Board of Deacons. Brother Beasley’s progressive spirit resulted in his playing a pivotal role in the construction of Macedonia’s current church.
Another important part of Samuel Beasley’s life was education. His education during his formative years was completed in Sabine Parish public schools. His desire for advanced formal training led him to Grambling State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education. He was always seeking to improve his station in life and the people around him, and continued in education to receive his master’s degree and 30+ hours in Teacher Education. His graduate level work was completed at several universities including Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Lamar University in Beaumont, TX and Prairie View A &M University in Prairie View, TX.
Samuel married the love of his life, the former Miss Nettie Pearl Holley, and they were blessed with one daughter, Rhonda Harrison, and sons Stanford Beasley, Sr. (Melba), Samuel Beasley, Jr. (Andrea) and Jeffrey Beasley (Keisha). Other close family included a nephew for whom Samuel was a father and mentor, Charles Beasley (Linda); eight grandchildren, Samuel L. Beasley, III, Tatiana Harrison, Jenifer Beasley, Stanford H. Beasley, Jr., Nicholas Beasley, Christian Beasley, Javione Murphy-Jones, and Caitlyn Beasley; and nine great grandchildren, Samyria Beasley, Samuel J. Beasley, Aubrey Beasley, Malaya Beasley, Chloe Beasley, Nova Beasley, Jayce Harrison, Jaice M. Jones, and Alijah Beasley.
In 1962, Beasley was raised into the Golden Light Lodge #199 under his father, the late Mr. Jeff Beasley, and remained an active member of the Prince Hall Family throughout his life. He held the distinction within the realm of the Prince Hall Masonic Family of being the Past Master, District Deputy Grand Master Emeritus for the Ninth Masonic District and at his death was serving as Grand Trustee of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Louisiana and its Jurisdiction. Additionally, Samuel held the position of Honorary Past Grand High Priest, Honorary Past Grand Commander and received the rank of Grand Inspector General of the thirty-third and last Degree.
He supported his wife Nettie to the women’s auxiliary, the Order of Eastern Star, and Goodwill Chapter #128 also in Zwolle, where Samuel served as the Worthy Patron until his death. He also worked with the ladies and served as the Worthy Joshua of Cockrell- Williams Court #42 in Noble.
Beasley held membership in the Abduhl Temple #94, Ancient Egyptian Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He was a lifetime membership in the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and in the Phylaxis Society.
In his commitment to serving his community, Mr. Beasley was a twoterm Councilman for the Town of Zwolle where he worked toward major updating of public works for the Town.
In the field of education, Samuel was an outstanding classroom instructor. In the classroom and in the school environment he provided high-quality content, encouraged learning and was a model for superb character to students and colleagues, He was an asset to the school with exceptional knowledge and a calm, pleasant demeanor. In other instructional environments, he worked as a coach of baseball, basketball and track where he bought the same enthusiasm as in the classroom.
His later work in education brought him to the Sabine Parish Central Office where he served as the Supervisor of Adult Education; Homebound Education and in Child Welfare and Attendance. There he was able to reach out and support individuals who had not completed their high school graduation requirements to become eligible for jobs and opportunities that a high school diploma could afford them. He ensured children were able to either attend school in Sabine Parish or receive education from home.
He served as an auxiliary Sabine Parish Deputy applying his knowledge, talents and people skills within the parish and its communities. His reputation as a respected individual was a great strength in each of his pursuits.
Later, he became an Adult Education instructor at the Sabine Parish Detention Center.
In his spare time, Samuel was an avid fisherman and often was found on the lake enjoying his fishing and the sport’s calm, beautiful environment. He was active in many pursuits throughout his life, but each centered around his service to God, family and community. His life was an accurate example of a life lived well.
When he passed on March 10, 2013, Sabine Parish lost an icon of strength and dedication.
Raymond L. Ebarb
Raymond L. Ebarb was born on March 31, 1931, in Shreveport to Emmitt and Eva Laroux Ebarb. His maternal grandparents were Teofilo and Josephine Ezernack Laroux, one of Zwolle’s founding families. He was married to wife Joan Emanus Ebarb for 67 years. Their son, Pedro Ebarb (wife Linda) has two stepchildren - Jeff Hillis of British Columbia, Canada, and Lisa Radford of Montreal, Canada. Other family includes brothersin- law, Harold “Harry” Emanus of Houston and the late Edward “Eddy” Emanus of Memphis.
Raymond grew up on a small cattle farm during the Great Depression and World War II where he was taught an intense work ethic from an early age by his father. His desire to learn came from his mother, an elementary school teacher. After graduation from Ebarb High School, he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree with emphasis on Agriculture Education from the University of Southwestern Louisiana.
After college, Raymond enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve his country. He was honorably discharged after two years of service in the Korean War. He then returned home and began a teaching career.
He started at Ebarb Elementary and waited for the opportunity to transition to agriculture education when an opening for a new vocation agriculture/ shop instructor at Ebarb High became available. His time as shop instructor afforded him the opportunity to teach many students who won top state awards and honors in Welding and Shop. He served as the sponsor of Ebarb High School’s chapter of the Future Farmers of America, and his teams won many awards for parliamentary procedure and public speaking. This area of study allowed them to gain lifelong skills in a variety of ways.
Ebarb earned the award “Teacher of Teachers” from the State Board of Education for having a great number of former students become teachers.
In his summer months, Raymond attended the University of Arkansas, obtaining a master’s degree, and also Penn State University and Oklahoma State University earning his Master’s +30.
In addition to teaching agriculture, Ebarb also taught American history and an Adult Education night class for local adult students studying for the GED. This opportunity gave men and women who were unable to complete high school due to family obligations or working in a family business, a chance to prepare for skilled jobs during the late 1950s and early ‘60s.
Despite a busy career in education, Raymond found time to fill in as Boys’ Basketball coach, giving Ebarb High School their first Class C State Basketball Finals appearance, winning 2nd place in the final game.
After teaching for 28 years at Ebarb High, Raymond retired for the first time to spend time raising cattle and horses on his farm. He always reverted to his love of raising beef cattle and reading history books for enjoyment. He was commonly seen around the community wearing his cowboy hat and greeting everyone fondly. He was a permanent “fixture,” good neighbor and citizen to his community who was loved and respected by all.
Raymond L.’s interest in community affairs extended to multiple areas. He helped obtain state recognition for the Choctaw-Apache Tribe of Ebarb and was appointed its first Tribal Chief. He was held in such esteem in the community that he was elected their first Tribal chairman.
Further regard for Ebarb was shown when he died. Chief Thomas Rivers and the Zwolle-Ebarb Choctaw-Apache Tribal Council out of deep respect for their elder and community leader, decided to cancel the Veterans Powwow and Art Fest the weekend of his death to join in the period of celebration of his life and mourning.
In addition to his contributions to education, Raymond helped acquire federal funding to establish the Ebarb Water Works District. This effort allowed the community and areas beyond Ebarb to have a common water system to replace individual or shared wells with modern technology and the assurance of a reliable infrastructure.
He returned to education briefly to serve as principal of the Marthaville Community’s Westwood School. He re-entered the field of education again when he returned to fill in for a halfyear as assistant principal at Ebarb High when the principal was on educational leave.
Raymond L. was also elected to the Sabine Parish School Board where he served by offering his knowledge and expertise as a community leader and shared the perspective of a former teacher. His work was an asset to the board during his tenure.
He has been described as a larger than life individual with a dedicated Catholic faith. He demonstrated a love of community and country as a life-long resident of the Ebarb Community. He was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He was awarded a Diocese Bishop Medal for his services to the Church.
Carroll Dean Ellzey
Carroll Dean Ellzey of Florien was born on March 14, 1948, to Johnnie and Audra Ellzey. His siblings included two sisters, Ruby Ivor Ellzey and Alice (Jones); and 10 brothers: Johnny Leon, William Myron, Jefferson Huey, Samuel Elton, Elwin, Koy Davis, Victor Lindell, Charles Ned, Teddy McCloy and Brice.
He was married to Margaret Helen Thaxton for 52 years. Despite losing both arms early in their marriage, he persevered and led a productive, successful and happy life.
The Ellzeys were blessed with a great family including daughter Carla, son Cody (wife Elizabeth), and grandchildren Karsyn, Cort, Kate, Brystol and Hayslee.
Carroll was a lifelong resident of Sabine Parish where he led a life of service. He attended Plainview Baptist Church, serving as deacon for 27 years. He also served in the military in the U. S. Air Force.
Additionally, he served as a volunteer fireman for South Sabine Fire District holding the positions of District Chief and Board Chairman over the years.
Ellzey enjoyed a successful career as an educator and served as Sabine Parish Tax Assessor for 12 years.
His years in elected office were marked by respect and appreciation for the way he managed the office and worked with the citizens of Sabine Parish.
Family and friends describe Ellzey as a positive, fun-loving individual who had many friends and enjoyed the time they spent together. Friends were always welcome at his home where he and Helen entertained with a spirit of generosity and kinship. He was active at local events where he helped celebrate the occasion at hand and shared his faith, friendship and support. His influence and impact were immeasurable.
Following his retirement from the Sabine Parish Assessor’s office, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed time with his grandchildren. His leisure and outdoor activities during this period included hunting, farming and his hobby of feeding visiting birds daily.
His passing on March 14, 2022, was marked by multiple memories of his life of service by the many people he greatly impacted throughout the parish and beyond. He is remembered as an overcomer, always positive and always motivating.
The Sabine Hall of Fame Committee has selected to honor Carrol Ellzey posthumously for his civic service to the community and his dedicated work to make Sabine Parish a great place to live. He made a difference with each endeavor and every pursuit throughout his life displaying an outstanding character and work ethic.
Please watch future issues of the Sabine Index for more information about this year’s slate of worthy honorees.
Banquet tickets at $50 per person or tables may be obtained at the office of Robert Gentry, 605 San Antonio Ave., Many; Nichols in Many; from Martha Henderson at (318) 294-3362; from Laurie Gentry at (318) 332-7873; or at the Office of Senator Alan Seabaugh, 515 South Capitol St., Many.
Major event sponsorships are also available. Contact one of the above persons for details.