David H. Mckenzie

David Hutchinson McKenzie entered his eternal rest at home on July 26, 2024, surrounded by family.

David was born at his family home in the rural Shirley community of Garnett, SC, on August 19, 1940, to John Edward and Teresa McCrery McKenzie, greeted by his brother, John Edward McKenzie, Jr.

David was raised in Garnett, SC, and was a part of St. John's Methodist Church. His early years were spent helping out on his family's farm, which grew in him a great love for all aspects of farming. He loved the land as a devoted farmer of McKenzie Farm and had a special appreciation for the farming equipment. A staple favorite was his tractor, which he enjoyed taking his grandchildren on for special rides. David always looked forward to ginning season and his favorite crops were cotton, corn, and soybeans. He was a nature lover and was thrilled by the sight of a flock of turkeys or a herd of deer, unless they were eating his crops.

In addition to farming, David became the substitute mail carrier in Garnett, carrying the mail occasionally for his brother John, who was the full-time carrier. When John's health declined, David was called upon more often. When John retired, David became the full-time carrier until his own retirement.

David graduated from Estill High School in 1958. He met his beloved, devoted wife of 54 years, Cecilia Baker McKenzie, at a dance party, sweeping her off of her feet with a dance step and a kiss. David and Cecilia were married April 10, 1970. They had three children: David, Jr., Ashley, and Mary.

David was a lifelong avid golfer and an overall excellent athlete known for his baseball pitching ability and fade away corner jump shot on the basketball court. He enjoyed golfing with his buddies and was a part of the South Carolina Coastal Seniors Organization, as well as the 50+ softball team in Hampton County. He loved coon hunting with his prized AKC Walker, Too Tall, and shining for alligators in McKenzie Pond. David enjoyed hosting the Lowcountry Coon Hunters Association at the McKenzie Pond house for many years.

David was a dedicated Braves fan and college football enthusiast for each of his children's college Alma Maters, although he drove his children crazy with his naysaying comments.

David was an extremely hard-working man and taught his children the value of having a good work ethic. He was extremely proud of his children's and grandchildren's accomplishments both academically and athletically. He was greatly loved by his children and grandchildren, who affectionately called him Pop Pop.

His parents and brother preceded him in death, rejoicing with him in Heaven. Surviving, along with his loving wife Cecilia Baker McKenzie, are his three children: Dr. David Hutchinson McKenzie, Jr. (Dr. Michelle), Ashley McKenzie Stephens (Robbie), and Colonel Mary McKenzie Gutierrez (Lieutenant Colonel Michael); four grandchildren: McKenzie Elizabeth Drennan, Madelyn Marie McKenzie, Joseph David McKenzie, and Garrett Hutchinson Gutierrez; three nieces and nephews: John "Ned" Edward McKenzie, III (Laura), Teresa McKenzie Youmans, and Bill Harper, III; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held at 3 PM Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Lawtonville Baptist Church located at 196 East 4th Street, Estill, SC 29918, with burial immediately following in the Lawtonville Cemetery.

A visitation will be held from 5 PM to 7 PM Friday, August 2, 2024, at Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home located at 300 Mulberry St. W., Hampton, SC 29924.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Lawtonville Baptist Church for the G. Clarke Baker Benevolence Fund or another charity of choice. The family extends deepest appreciation to the staff of many disciplines at Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital and Agape Hospice for the wonderful care bestowed.

Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home is assisting the McKenzie family during this time.