William McKenzie, Jr.

Obituary

William Henry McKenzie Jr. (Bill) born October 19, 1959, passed peacefully into eternity on July 9, 2024. Bill was born in Jackson Mississippi to William Henry McKenzie and Hattie Nesmith McKenzie who have both preceded him in death. Bill is survived by his loving wife Judy McKenzie of Port Orange Florida, His son Joshua Anderson, Daughter-in-Law Angelica, and grandchildren Addyson and Jett of Monticello Georgia. His daughter Jaennae Riley, Son-in Law Thomas Riley, grandchildren Kierstyn and Beckham of Leesburg Florida and his daughter Brooke Holcomb and Son-in-law Zach Holcomb of Edgewater Florida. Bill was one of seven children. He is survived by his sister Rosemary Taylor (Angela & Kyle), brothers Hugh Bufkin and David Bufkin (Ellie & Adam) and younger sister Madolyn McKenzie Cole, Brother-in-Law Keith Cole (Kory, Kally, Kyler, & Lyla). He is preceded in death by his brother Floyd Bufkin Jr. and sister Sylvia Penn. He is also survived by his many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. As well as a small circle of lifelong friends that he loved like brothers. Bill grew up in Jackson MS moving in 1974 to Stone Mountain, GA at the age of 15 with his family. He attended McCloud Elementary (Jackson MS), Madison-Ridgeland Academy (Madison, MS), Towers High School (Decatur, GA) and Redan High School (Stone Mountain, Georgia) graduating in 1978. He worked for many years in the roofing industry starting out at Dekalb Roofing Co. In Decatur Ga as young man. He joined the US Navy serving from 1981-1983 before settling in Alexandria Virginia. There he worked for Georgetown Roofing until starting his own business McKenzie’s Home Improvements, LLC. which he owned and operated for 30 years providing professional window and door installation. In 2001 he relocated his business to Port Orange, Florida where he lived and worked until his passing. He was a master craftsman, a maker of all things, and a professionally trained chef. He loved to ride his HD motorcycle with his wife and friends. He enjoyed many different hobbies including gardening and beekeeping, building things with and for his grandchildren, cooking and baking with and for his family and friends. He was a brilliant fabricator of gadgets of all kinds. There was absolutely nothing this man could not do. He was a staunch patriot who loved his country. He was a defender of the underdog and fierce protector of all he loved. The love of his wife, family and friends was indeed his most prized possession. These words copied from his Facebook profile sum up his life philosophy. Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!” Hunter S. Thompson, The Proud Highway: Saga of a Desperate Southern Gentleman, 1955-1967
Bill’s passing leaves a huge void in the hearts of all that loved him. He will be missed more than words can say. We find comfort in knowing that his faith in Jesus has set him free and he is now at rest in the Kingdon of God with his beloved parents, until we meet again.