Sidney Lestor and Artie Cornelia McKenzie on August 17, 1927
in Don’ Colony, Texas. He passed away very quietly on August 8, 2018.
He will be laid to rest next to his wife, MaryElizabeth, and his son,
Danny, on August 10, 2018.
Austin grew up in his hometown of Tennessee Colony and
graduated from Palestine High School. He met his “prettiest girl
in the world”, Mary, while both working for Bell Telephone in
Carthage. They were married in 1952 and began a life together
in Dallas. Austin was an ever-constant and loyal companion to
Mary. They had 3 children, Gary, Danny, and Lori (Missy).
Austin’s family and his Bell Telephone co-workers and
employees were the delights in his life. He was always available
to his family wherever and whenever needed. They both greatly
enjoyed traveling with their friends on Dan Dipert Tours. A
vacation to England and France, which created life-long
memories, was the only time they were was in the United States.
He began his career with Bell Telephone at just 18 years old as
an “unlocated lineman”. He retired after 48 years, 5 months and
14 days on July 23, 1995. At the time he retired he was the
General Manager of Education, and responsible for the
development and delivery of all training and education for
Southwestern Bell, which included Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas,
Missouri, and Arkansas. He was told by the COB that many of
the phone company’s ideas and innovations in connection with
training would take the company into the next century.
If Austin were to have a motto, if would be “…to stick to the
fight when you’re hardest hit. It’s when things go wrong that
you must not quit”. (Don’t Quit, by John G. Whittier)
Austin is survived by 2 of her 3 children, Gary McKenzie of
Carrollton and Lori (Missy) Smithers of Fredericksburg, his
daughter- and son-in-law, Sandra McKenzie and Jeff Smithers,
his grandchildren, James McKenzie, Laura (McKenzie) and
Clay McMurray, Jake Smithers, and Luke Smithers, greatgrandchildren,
Benjamin and Henry McKenzie, and Cooper and
Lyla McMurray, and his sister Shirley Hardy and brother, Jerry
McKenzie. Austin is preceded in death by his parents and his
middle son, Danny.
Funeral and Burial arrangements have been
made through Bluebonnet Hills, in Colleyville, Texas. Messages
to the family may be sent care of Gary McKenzie, 2833
Creekway Drive, Carrollton, Texas 75010.
If you wish to send floral condolences in honor of Austin McKenzie, you may call Dr. Delphinium Designs and Events, 214-525-1284.
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