Richard Edward McKenzie, more familiarly and affectionately known as 'Mac', was the only child born to the union of Laura Johnson and Richard Alexander McKenzie of Hot Springs, Arkansas. As an industrious .and gifted student, 'Mac', set out for a college education at Wilberforce University in Ohio. His adoring mother protected him from news of her declining health so he could continue working to pay for his studies. Her death came as a shock to him, as he, a college sophomore, faced life without both parents, a few scattered relatives and no financial resources in 1933. What he did have was a rich and sustaining relationship with the A.M.E. Zion denomination, a lifetime gift from his mother. A fun-loving spirit, he played the banjo in the Wilberforce Collegians, joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity to expand his support circle and ROTC for opportunities. 'Mac' graduated from Wilberforce and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. Like many men of the World War II era, he claimed a bride before 'shipping out.' Frances Louise Cooley pledged her devotion and commitment as his partner for a lifetime: She lived up to her vows as a faithful follower through 'Mac's' tours of duty in Arizona, Tennessee and Italy. When the war ended, Captain M~Kenzie enrolled and graduated from the Cincinnati College of Embalming, and the McKenzies soon opened the first site of McKenzie's Funeral Home. Antronette Laura and Richard Anthony McKenzie enriched 'Mac' s' life as a parent and he theirs with his exceptional skills as an early childhood caregiver. He enjoyed seeing both of his children become professional caregivers as physicians. Grandparenthood put wide smiles on his face just to watch his girls, Jennifer, Sasha and Lauren. 'Mac' loved his family, his work, and the A.M.E. Zion Church, a childhood legacy. He served on the Board of Trustees at St. John A.M.E. Zion for many years, a testimony to Proverbs 22:6 that reminds us to: 'Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old he will not depart from it.' Only his declining health interrupted his services to St. John. Mr. McKenzie is survived by his wife, Frances; his daughter Antronette Laura; his son, Richard Anthony; granddaughters, Jennifer, Sasha and Lauren; cousin, Dottie Lee Turner of Chicago; nieces, nephew, other relatives and friends. While receiving care at Veterans' Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee after his lengthy illness, Richard 'Mac' McKenzie peacefully departed this life. Pallbearers: Friends and Family Honorary Pallbearers: United Funeral Directors and Embalmers of Greater Cincinnati Interment Spring Grove with Military Honors Eulogy by Rev. Charles H. Wilson, Jr. Remarks by Dr. Antronette L. McKenzie Rev. Clarence E. H. Glover, President of United Funeral Directors and Embalmers

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