Robert Ward McKenzie

Bob and his identical twin brother, Tom, were born on February 28th, 1928, to Daniel George and Helen Jones McKenzie. His grandfather was the legendary train engineer Casey Jones. Alongside his siblings: Dan, Helen, and Tom, Bob spent his formative years in Tuscaloosa and Mobile. He was especially proud of earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

He attended McGill Institute and Spring Hill College in Mobile, later graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. At the University, he joined Sigma Chi fraternity and became a lifelong, passionate fan of the Crimson Tide. It was on campus that he met his future wife, Ruth, who had been matched as his brother Tom’s blind date at a sorority mixer. You might say Bob won that contest.

Bob married Ruth Myer McKenzie in 1949, and together they raised four daughters: Terri Baxter (Rice), Julie Dailey (Tim), Lucy Lockley (Richard), and M.M. Gamble (Ken). Their 64 years of marriage were filled with love, laughter, and devotion to their children, grandchildren - Jordan Baxter (Jill), Robert & Sarah Lockley, Katy Mac Dillon (Brent), Liza Lee Horton (Dawson), Jackson Gamble (Alex) and Georgia Gamble (Drew Pigott) and great-grandchildren - Kennady and Colbie Baxter, Meyers and Collins Dillon. After Ruth’s passing Bob developed a loving friendship with Glenda Sartain.

Bob enjoyed a long career at Decatur’s Wolverine Tube, retiring after 33 years as marketing and sales manager.

His faith was a cornerstone of his life. Bob was a devoted member of Annunciation of the Lord Catholic Church (formerly St. Ann’s), where he served as an usher and contributed his time and talents to the Parish Council, Finance Council, Budget Committee and Knights of Columbus.

Bob also gave generously to his community. He served as president and longtime finance officer of the Decatur Country Club. A licensed ham radio operator since 1956, he was known by his call sign K4MLR. In retirement, Bob found joy in golf and cherished the camaraderie of his friends at the Moulton Street Culture & Coffee Club and the Saturday morning group at Jack’s. He was an active member of the Decatur Rotary Club, Decatur Investment Club, 60+ Golf Association, Point Mallard Golf Club, and Decatur Amateur Radio Club.

For over 30 years, Bob volunteered with the RSVP Tax Service at the Decatur Public Library, helping countless people with their income tax returns; a quiet act of service that reflected his generous spirit.

Bob was known for his gentle temperament and warm demeanor. His most colorful expression was a heartfelt “Oh, my!” - especially when watching his beloved Crimson Tide.

A service celebrating Bob’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 23rd at Annunciation of the Lord Catholic Church, 3910 Spring Ave SW, Decatur, AL 35603. Visitation is at 2:00pm followed by Mass at 3:00pm.

The family would like to thank Dr. Scott Matthews and Morningside of Decatur Assisted Living for their kindness and compassion. In lieu of flowers they request that donations be made to Annunciation of the Lord Catholic Church or Hospice of the Valley.