Leslie Edwin McKenzie, 97, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ January 10, 2024 at his home, surrounded by family.
Funeral services were held 3:00 p.m. Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church with burial in Greenlawn Cemetery directed by Cooper Funeral Home. Visitation was held 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, January 12, 2024 at Cooper Funeral Home.
Born in Dillon County, SC, August 30, 1926, he was the son of the late Francis Marion McKenzie and Ezzie Moody McKenzie. He was a Christian gentleman who loved his country, his family, and his God. Leslie was a World War II Army veteran who served in the Pacific Theater on Okinawa and then in Korea. He was a life-long farmer in the Mt. Calvary community and a life-long faithful member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. Over the years, he served his church in many capacities, including as Sunday school teacher, youth leader, treasurer, and deacon.
Leslie was an honest, fair-minded, compassionate man who was guided throughout his life by the Golden Rule of doing unto others as he would have them do unto him. For almost a century, he has been our family’s rock and refuge. We will miss him deeply.
Leslie is survived by his children, Edwin McKenzie of Hamer, Linda McKenzie of the home, Larry (Melanie) McKenzie of Lexington, SC, and John (Ginny) McKenzie of Huntersville, NC; grandchildren, Lisa (Byron) Hagan, Christy (Lance) Kurtz, Marian (Curtis) Rea, Leslie (Ryan) Phillips, Lauren McKenzie, and Travis (Kelly) McKenzie; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and sister, Betty Carolyn McKenzie.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife Beatrice “Bea” Arnette McKenzie; brothers, Paul Leland McKenzie and Francis Marion “Junior” McKenzie, Jr., sisters, Louise McKenzie Ball and Miriam McKenzie; and great-grandson, Donovan Kurtz.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 405 Mt. Calvary Road, Dillon, SC 29536 or to Camp Pinehill, 2096 Baptist Road, Bennettsville, SC 29512.
The family would like to say a special thank you to Agape Hospice and their nurses and staff, especially Bobbie Lee, RN, for the care given to Leslie during his brief illness.