Deacon Charles McKenzie

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Life’s Reflections

Deacon Charles J. McKenzie

 Charles J. McKenzie, affectionately known as “Buddo” the son of the late Tom McKenzie and Joe Ella Moody McKenzie, was born August 10, 1937, in Columbia, South Carolina.  Deacon Charles McKenzie married the love of his life Julia Coles McKenzie on September 9, 1958.  They were wed in holy matrimony for 62 years. From this union three children were born.  Later on, he was blessed with three more to raise after the death of their mother.  Two of which preceded him in death, Julia McKenzie Williams and Fred Coles.  Deacon McKenzie was surrounded by family until he was rushed to the VA Dorn Medical Hospital, where he entered into eternal rest shortly after his arrival on July 31, 2020. 

At an early age, Deacon McKenzie accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior, was baptized and joined Zion Damascus Baptist Church # II where he served faithfully until his health declined. He dedicated himself to service as a member of Zion Damascus throughout his membership where he was committed to his service as a Deacon.  He also served as a Trustee, Sunday School teacher, Senior Choir President, and the Church Treasurer.  He was also an active member of the Usher Board, Men’s Choir, and Chair of Kitchen Committee. 

 Deacon McKenzie attended Booker T. Washington public school in Columbia, South Carolina.  He was employed by Owen Steel Company as a certified welder. He retired during the year 2000 after 36 years of service. Deacon McKenzie enjoyed singing, gardening, watching his favorite TV show, “Wheel of Fortune” and watching all sports.

To know Deacon McKenzie is to know him as a kind and gentle man with a soft spoken voice and a huge heart.  He took great pride in his work and was always willing with an open and cheerful heart to assist anyone in need. Throughout his life he showed many acts of kindness that substantiated his love for God, his family and others. During his early life, he was noted as the neighborhood barber who often cut many children’s hair early on Saturday or Sunday morning before church.

Deacon McKenzie was preceded in death by two sisters, Lula Mae McKenzie, Annie Lee McKenzie and one brother, Leroy McKenzie.

 He leaves to cherish his precious memories and legacy of love, his loving and devoted wife, Julia Coles McKenzie, Children: Deborah McKenzie, Columbia, SC, Charles (Taneda) McKenzie, Hopkins, SC, Brenda (Pelham) Myers, Hopkins, SC, Suzette (Stanley) Cheeseboro, Hopkins, SC, Grandson of the home Robert (Timika) Williams, Hopkins, SC.Grandchildren: Brittany McKenzie, Christopher Brown, Pelham Myers, Jr., Joshua Myers,Matthew Myers, Ciera Seymore and Stanley Cheeseboro, Jr., Seven Great Grand Children, Four Sisters in-law:  Mattie Mathis, Lottie (Lee) McDaniels, Eliza Bugg and Mary Dixon all of Paterson, New Jersey. One Brother in-law: Lewis (Mary) Coles of Paterson, New Jersey and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Deacon McKenzie also assisted the family in raising 3 nieces from Paterson, New Jersey who resided in the home at an early age for several years (Cassandra Coles, Lisa Coles White and Tara Bugg Menter). 

Well done, thou good and faithful servant…You have been wonderful.  Your work here is done.  We love and will miss you but your soul is resting in a better place.

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