Jack McKenzie

Jack McKenzie of Plano, Texas passed away December 25th after a heroic fight with lung disease. He is survived by his Wife, Ellen Kay McKenzie, Sons, William McKenzie and Bobby Joe Lakes, daughters Charlene McKenzie, Paula and Robert Payne and Sue and Ed Paris. His grandchildren, Justin McKenzie, Heather and David Corn, Kristin and Daniel Zeito, Jessica Worley, Micah and Rendee McKenzie, Jonah McKenzie and Joel Payne. He is also survived by four great grandchildren. In Kentucky he leaves behind two sisters, a brother, two sisters in law and brother in law and many nieces and nephews. Always, Jack felt that Pauline Ward was a sister in every way.

Jack was born in a humble country home in Flat Gap, Kentucky where he spent most of his childhood before moving to Ashland, Kentucky in his middle school years. Kentucky was always home to Jack and where his remains will be laid on the family land where he was born. Jack was proud to be an American and was eager to serve the country he loved in the Navy. In 1975, after 10 years of service, he transitioned to industry with Rockwell Collins and devoted his life to national defense. Within Rockwell, he grew to become the logistic engineer over the U.S Navy's TACAMO program. His dedication, devotion and loyalty was to his family first, both his wife Kay and their children, but also to his TACAMO family where he always considered his shipmates and the Sailors with every decision or system that he supported. He retired after 42 years combined service and was awarded Honorary "TACAMO" Chief Petty Officer by the U.S Navy. Jack remains a role model for all in industry and it's community to strive to emulate. He was a mentor to all who knew him. He was a friend to all who came in contact with him. And most of all he was a shipmate to every Sailor – Officer or Enlisted who served with him or was lucky enough to meet him.

So many of us have been touched by Jack. His wisdom and counsel, his guidance tapered with wit and his attitude that you can always make a fresh start has given those who sat across from him in council, hope for their own lives and future. His children, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and anyone who needed a hand up, have truly appreciated the teacher and the giver that he was. That legacy will go on for generations as it is lived out in the lives of those who took his advice to heart. Jack's favorite scripture was: Matthew 7: 1-3 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

We love you Jack. We miss you.

The family invites you to a gathering to celebrate Jack's life on Sunday December 29, 2013 at 2pm at the Ted Dickey Funeral Home. There you will be invited to share stories and enjoy food and fellowship in Jack's name.

In Lieu of flowers the family would like contributions in his name given to The Alzheimer's Association or The Wounded Warrior Project.