Johnny Clarence McKenzie, Sr., 69, of Vero Beach and Bluefield, Va., died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at his residence in Bluefield.
He was of Baptist faith and was born in Frostproof, Fla., where he graduated in 1959 and was the son of the late Ira Luther McKenzie and Maggie Mills McKenzie.
He was a retired Major with the Department of Corrections for the state of Florida. He had served in the National Guard and later the U.S. Army having fought in Panama.
He was a member of the American Legion Post 39, a Life Member of the VFW Post 3918 where he served in the Honor Guard, a Distinguished Life Member of the Florida Peace Officers Association, member of the NRA and an Honorary Member of the Big Creek Owls Class of 1959.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Alyce “Buzzy” Sizemore McKenzie, son, Johnny Clarence McKenzie, Jr. Vero Beach, Grandchildren: Tiffany Lynne McKenzie, Augusta, Ga., Caysi Ann McKenzie, twins Johnny Clarence McKenzie III and Richard Ira McKenzie, Vero Beach, FL. sister, Mary Ann Simpson and her husband Gene, Garfield, Ga., brothers: Ira Curtis McKenzie, wife Linda of Tallahassee, I.V. “Buddy” McKenzie, Avon Park, sister-in-law, Margaret Stowers and husband Charlie, several brothers-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends he loved dearly.
Memorial Service will be at 11 a.m. on July 3, 2010 by the VFW Honor Guard and the Rev. Darrol Hood at the American Legion.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to the VFW Post 3918 in Vero Beach, FL.
