Ezell Haynes McKinnon was born in Houston, Texas, May 22, 1935. He was the first son born to the late John McKinnon and the late Letha Callies-McKinnon. Ezell affectionately called "Hank", "Eazy", "Mac", or "First Sgt", by his family and friends, graduated from Phillis Wheatley High School in San Antonio, Texas in 1943, where he enjoyed being in the band. Upon graduation he entered the United States Army.