David was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee to James E. McKenzie and Faye Hester McKenzie. He was a longtime resident of Signal Mountain, Tennessee where he was a member of Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church.
He graduated from Baylor School in 1953, where he excelled in athletics and was awarded the Guerry Midget Trophy. David was the Regimental Commander of the Military his senior year.
David was an enthusiastic supporter of his alma mater, UT Knoxville. During his time at UT Knoxville he was awarded the All Sports Trophy for his excellence in intramural sports. He was a member of the Naval ROTC, and after graduation he was commissioned as an officer in the Navy.
David, a CPA and MBA, joined his father’s accounting firm. They enjoyed many years working together. After being mentored well by his father he mentored Jerry Jenkins with whom he later formed a partnership, McKenzie and Jenkins. Jerry has been a much relied on family friend.
David was well loved by his family and friends. He watched over and took care of the finances of many in his extended family. He was a true competitor who loved excelling in golf, tennis, and bridge. He was a member of the Chattanooga Golf and Country Club for many years. He was also a member of Manker Patten Tennis Club. Following in his parent’s footsteps he was a Life Master Bridge player who enjoyed many hours at the Chattanooga Bridge Center.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Carol Roberts McKenzie; his parents, James and Faye McKenzie and his nephew, Michael Palmer.
David is survived by his daughter, Donna McKenzie; brother, Jim (Rose) McKenzie, Jr.; sister, Judy (Don) Sheldon; sister-in-law, Saundra Roberts Cobble; nieces, Colin York, Paige (Scott) Melville, Susan (Gerard) Williams; nephews, Jim (Katie) McKenzie, III, Hayden (Tammy) Roberts, Mike Roberts, and Scott (Sandra) Roberts.
The family would like to give special thanks to the Alexian Brothers 8th floor West and Hospice of Chattanooga caregivers for their compassion, devotion and care.
A Celebration of Life service for David will be held at 11:30 am on Monday, October 22, at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, Marr Chapel, with Reverend Margaret Ferguson and Reverend Scott Bowen officiating.
The family will receive friends at the church following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in David’s name to Baylor School, 171 Baylor School Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405, www.baylorschool.org. or Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, 612 James Blvd., Signal Mountain, TN 37377 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 7625 Hamilton Park Drive, Suite 6, Chattanooga, TN 37421, www.alz.org.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
