Jimmy McKenzie of Abilene passed away on September 17, 2020, at Windcrest Care Center. He was born on February 18, 1937 in Eula. TX. Jimmy attended school in Elmdale and North Park. He left home at an early age, in his travels; he ended up in Pasadena, California, where he had various jobs. When he returned to Abilene in the 1950’s, he took a job delivering papers for the Abilene Reporter News. He also worked as an automobile painter in his early years. Jimmy’s love for law enforcement led him to become a Police Officer for the Abilene Police Department, although he did not retire there, he remained a devoted citizen to the APD, he never forgot his dedication for this work. Everywhere he went; he would know when there was someone in need and would help them.
Jimmy then spent the next 24 years in the trucking industry. He was the director of Safety for Pride Refining. Traveling the highways he saw interesting places to visit. Upon retirement he and his beloved wife Dorothy enjoyed traveling and were able to visit 43 states in their RV.
Jimmy always enjoyed fishing; it did not matter if it was a lake, river, or just a pond of water. He and Dorothy had a place at Lake Brownwood and was fishing at every chance he had. Jimmy was an animal lover and never left a stray animal behind, you could always see him with a dog in his lap and they were not just pets they became family.
Jimmy was a member of all three Masonic Lodges in Abilene, as well as a member of the Abilene Shrine Club. Jimmy enjoyed volunteering for a number of years for the Western Heritage Classic and the West Texas Fair and Rodeo.
Jimmy is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years Dorothy McKenzie, 4 children; Jim (Linda) McKenzie, David (Kim) McKenzie, Annette (Mackie) Crossan, and Jeannette (Kyle) Kenworthy; 11 Grandchildren, Christy, Chris, Dustin, Cara, Trey, Tracie, Meagan, Kammi, Bryanna, Dakohta, and Makylia; 20 Great-Grandchildren and 9 Great-Great Grandchildren. Jimmy was preceded in death by his Mother, Evelyn LeMay McKenzie, his granddaughter, Michelle Crossan, as well as many loved friends and family members.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Suez Shine Transportation Fund 2915 Loop 306 San Angelo, Texas 76904, or a charity of your choosing.
PALLBEARERS
Chris McKenzie
Dustin McKenzie
Trey McKenzie
Alex Miller
Travis Cavozos
Jake (George) Smith
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