Mr. Robert Lee McKenzie

In Loving Memory of Robert Lee Mckenzie (November 18, 1941-December 24, 2024) Robert Lee McKenzie (aka Butch, aka Poppy), a resident of Stonecrest, GA, took his last breath on December 24, 2024 at Emory University Hospital at the age of 83 years old. In his final days, Robert fought to stay alive, truly showing how he valued the life his Creator, Jehovah God, gave him. Robert Lee McKenzie was born November 18, 1941 in Albany, NY to Lee B. McKenzie and Bessie H. (Davis) McKenzie. He was the middle child of five children. For his education, he attended Livingston Jr. High and Albany High School. He met a beautiful woman named Betty Jean Gaddy in 1961 and they married on July 2, 1966. Together, Robert and Betty had five children. After 50+ years living in Manhattan, NY and the Bronx, Robert and Betty moved to Stonecrest, GA. Robert’s spiritual life began when he started studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses together with his wife in 1967, and they got baptized together in 1968 in Manhattan, NY. He loved the Bible and loved what he was learning so much that he would take a trip every single weekend to Albany to share what he was learning from the Bible with his brother Jimmy and other family and friends. He absolutely loved talking about Bible prophecy and was intrigued with Jehovah’s power. He would warn anyone he could about Armageddon! He also frequently spoke of appreciating Jehovah’s mercy. We have fond memories of Robert having the Bible and Bible publications sprawled across the bed while he studied. He served as a ministerial servant for a time in the Soundview Congregation. Even as his health declined, he would make an effort to try to remember scriptures as he spoke. You had to tip toe past him with your sandwich if you wanted to eat because if Robert got a hold of you, he’d stop you and start asking you Bible questions and share scriptures. When his health permitted, he was known in his congregation in the Bronx for being regular in the ministry. One of his favorite forms of service was street work. He was not afraid to share the good news with anyone. Last year, when he was on the way to the hospital, he witnessed to the EMT workers. One of the workers said: “I enjoyed the Bible study on the way here!” We certainly cherish the example he set in his love of God’s Word. Robert’s secular life spanned some decades in construction. He was a member of the Plasters and Tapers Local 530 in NYC. He owned McKenzie Drywall Finishers, which included both commercial and residential properties in all five NY boroughs. Robert enjoyed talking about his work and enjoyed taking drives to point out his handy work. Robert was described as a ‘cool cat’ who would often stay in the background. That description would quickly change once his favorite music was played! He was a great dancer and loved to watch his kids dance. When Robert and Betty would step on the floor to hustle, you could not help but watch! Robert is legendary for calmly walking to the front of the Soul Train line and doing a split at his daughter’s wedding. He loved music. He could listen to a favorite song for hours and never tire of it. That song would play in our heads for days! But we always knew what to put on for him. While in his hospital bed, his favorite songs were played, and although he could no longer chime in with his voice, he would hum the song and move his head. These are memories we will cherish and never

Tributes

Mr. Robert Lee McKenzie

November 18, 1941 - December 24, 2024