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Truett Mckenzie Profile Photo

Truett Mckenzie

Nov 22, 1941 — Jan 16, 2023

Truett Mckenzie

  • A farmer, a fisherman, a hunter, a golf course owner, and an entrepreneur, Noel Truett
    McKenzie (Truett) passed away on the afternoon of Monday, January 16 th, 2023 after a brief
    illness.
    Truett was the son of Kenyon and Frances McKenzie and grew up in the small town of Furman,
    South Carolina . No, not the Furman you're thinking of – that Furman is a university in Greenville
    SC. Truett's Furman is a tiny little community in the southern part of the state.
    After attending Furman school through the 8th grade, Truett skipped a grade and graduated
    from Estill High School at the young age of 16. Because he was younger than the other men in
    his grade, he became a scrapper so he could hold his own against the older guys in his class.
    Truett attended the University of South Carolina. While at USC, he enjoyed boxing. That is, he
    enjoyed boxing until his coach broke his nose. After USC, he farmed and then was drafted into
    the military. He went on a blind date with a Yankee named Susan from south Jersey. That was
    it. Truett and Susan got married. While in the US Army , he was in the Engineer Battalion and
    served as an instructor of diesel mechanics at Ft Belvoir. He was later stationed in Korea and
    served in t he DMZ . He was quite happy to see Susan when he returned, especially since she was
    living with his parents on a small farm in the middle of nowhere.
    He was a farmer for many years (Fran-Yon Farms), and then along came Jimmy Carter and
    farming went to hell in a handbasket. If you knew Truett, you quickly learned not to mention
    the name Jimmy Carter in front of him.
    From farming, he became a pioneer in the golf industry, beginning with selling golf
    maintenance equipment, which turned to contract aeration and chemical application on some
    of the best golf courses in the Southeast (including Augusta National), and finally opening his
    own golf course – Penny Branch Club. Truett's motto was "dream big and dare to fail". His golf
    course was featured on the Golf Channel as one of the best courses in South Carolina, and
    Truett was well known for riding around the golf course with a gun in the cart so that he could
    take care of any armadillos he saw. This continued until Obama (another name not to mention)
    came on the scene. Then the economy tanked, and the golf course was closed.
    Truett also enjoyed himself when he wasn't working. Fishing, hunting, socializing – he was good
    at all of it. He was also very competitive, especially when fishing. He and Susan were fishing one
    day, and Susan had a big bass on the line. Truett decided to "help" her reel in the fish and lost
    it. That was almost the end of the great romance. He also had lots of good buddies that he
    would hunt , fish , and socialize with, and we're sure he's up in heaven telling stories with them
    right now.
    Dancing was another one of Truett's favorite things – he and Susan were outstanding shaggers
    and Truett loved teaching his children and grandchildren to dance. He als o enjoyed having a
    drink with friends and family, whom he loved fiercely.
  • Truett was the longest serving deacon at Furman Baptist Church. He was a Mason at Stafford
    Lodge for 55 years. He was president of the Young Farmers for the state of South Carolina. He
    served on the National Council of Governments. He served on Hampton County Council. And
    he was a member of the National Golf Course Owners Association.
    Truett is survived by his wife Susan; his daughter Wendy (Will); and his son Chris (Genny). He i s
    also survived by his five grandchildren: Michael Wolverton (Kellie), Bryce Wolverton, Dannelly
    McKenzie, Lilly McKenzie, and Campbell McKenzie. His newest family member is Lyla
    Wolverton, his first great-grandchild. He is survived by his sister DeThane Johnson (Hank), his brother-
    in -law Bruce Dannelly, his brother- in -law Dick Dannelly (Donna), and his sister- in -law Madeleine
    McKenzie. He is survived by his goddaughter Elizabeth Peeples Sante ll anes, along with
    numerous cousins, nephews , and nieces who were very special to him. He is predeceased by his
    parents , his brother Keny, and his sisters- in -law Melba, Pegi, and Jodi.
    Truett's life will be celebrated on Saturday, January 21st
    at Furman Baptist Church at 11am.
    Burial with Masonic Rites will be held at Stafford Baptist Church's cemetery immediately
    following the service. Memorials may be made in Truett's name to Furman Baptist Church, PO
    Box 147, Furman SC 29921.
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