Warren was born on March 2, 1951 in Tulsa, OK. His family later re-located to Metairie, LA where he attended Jesuit High School in New Orleans, LA. He attended Florida State University where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity; he transferred and graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology. Following graduation, he moved to Wilmington, NC, and spent his career as a chemical engineer at International Paper and Brunswick County Public Utilities.
Warren loved to spend his time on the water: sailing, boating, and fishing. He was a member of the Wrightsville Beach Ocean Racing Association, the South Atlantic Yacht Racing Association, and the NC Waterworks Operators Association.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Warren G. McKinzie, Sr. and Barbara Sales McKinzie. He is survived by his children Jennifer, Tracey, and Timothy McKinzie, former wife, Margie C. McKinzie, and his brother Phillip (Sharon) McKinzie.
A memorial service will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home on Monday, June 21. Visitation at 1pm CDT with graveside service at 2pm CDT. A memorial service will be held in Wilmington, NC at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Warren’s honor to Surfrider Cape Fear Chapter (https://capefear.surfrider.org/) or BoatUS Foundation (https://www.boatus.org/donate/honor-a-friend/).
Checks can be mailed to: Surfrider Cape Fear Chapter PO Box 155 Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480