Kevin Lee McKenzie, Sr. died peacefully in his home on November 6, 2024, at the age of 63. Kevin was born on September 9, 1961, in Zaragoza, Spain to the late Durwood J. McKenzie, an Air Force Tech Sergeant, and Shirley F. Ussery.
Kevin received a certification in Mechanical Drafting from Wake Technical College and later started his own company, which became known as Langdon/McKenzie Commercial and Industrial Painting in 1988. In 1993 he sold the company to his partner and worked as a Project Manager until retiring in 2022.
Kevin had a heart for service and missions, He served on short mission trips to Jamaica and Ukraine. In 1993 he was ordained as a deacon at Mount Moriah Baptist Church and became the chairman of the building and grounds committee during the restoration and rebuilding of the sanctuary. In 2000, four churches joined together to plant a contemporary church in Clayton which became known as The Church at Clayton Crossings. He and his wife joined the group, opening their home for services and baptisms.
As a teenager, Kevin was a member of the Order of DeMolay and later became a member of Vandora Masonic Lodge #745 in Garner for over 30 years, where he served for several years as Chaplain. In his spare time, he loved to hunt on his farm in Kenly, NC or go deep sea fishing with his son. He had a heart of gold and a very outgoing personality. He never met a stranger. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him, but we know we will meet again one sweet day.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Leigh C. McKenzie; son, Kevin "Mac" Mckenzie, Jr. and his wife, Samantha; daughter, Lilia McKenzie; his mother, Shirley Ussery; and 3 grandchildren. The family would like to give a special thanks for the outpouring of love they have received during this time.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 11, 2024, at 3:00pm at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church 3000 E. Garner Rd Raleigh, NC. The committal service will follow the services in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 10, 2024, from 5:00 - 7:00pm at McLaurin Funeral Home, Clayton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the iChoose Pregnancy Support Services: 540 NC-42 West, Clayton, NC 27520.
