Gregory Lane McKenzie was called home by his Savior Aug. 25, 2024, at Richmond County Hospice Haven surrounded by his family.
Greg was born Oct. 11, 1949, in Hamlet, to the late Jesse Lee and Thelma Wallace McKenzie. He was the grandson of the late Mack Cecil Sr. and Maie McCaskill McKenzie, and Henry and Grace Davis Wallace.
He was also predeceased by his brothers, James and Laddie; and three brothers-in-law, John, Clayton and Carl Baker.
Greg had a passion for fishing and woodworking. He built beautiful cabinets over the years, boats, and anything he put his mind to. He attended Rockingham High School, dropping out his senior year (1967-68) to join the U.S. Army. After basic at Fort Bragg, and AIT at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he spent 13 months along the DMZ in South Korea. He was proud to be an Imjin Scout, a title earned not given. After his tour in Korea, he returned to the mainland and Fort Belvoir, Virginia, was his next stop. It was during this time, while on a temporary duty station in Chesapeake, he met his future wife, Cornelia Baker. They met on July 23, 1970, and were married Aug. 10, 1970. They had just celebrated their 54th anniversary together.
For years Greg worked as a heavy equipment operator, locally working on the Hwy 220 bypass and the expansion of U.S. 1 N. He also set up mobile homes for about 10 years. When traveling, he would always point out one along the way he had set up.
Greg is survived by his loving wife, Cornelia; and their children, Keven Lane (Sandra) of Hamlet, Karen Lynn (Danny) Perry of Rockingham, Brandon Kyle (Krista) of Aberdeen and Cameron Adam (Tonya) of Rocky Mount. They also have five grandchildren, sisters Taran Jordan Brown and Alyssa Brown Busby of Rockingham, Matthew Paul McKenzie of Warner Robins, Georgia, Easton Blake McKenzie of Aberdeen, and Kristie Davis of Mount. Gilead. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews; and two brothers-in-law, Charles and Joe Baker, both of Chesapeake, Virginia.
A Celebration of Life with military honors will be held at Cameronian Presbyterian Church-EPC, 179 Northam Road, Rockingham, on Wednesday, Aug. 28, at 3 p.m. with Pastor Phil Joines officiating. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall immediately after the service.
Memorials may be made to Cameronian Presbyterian Church EPC, P.O. Box 458, Rockingham, NC 28380; or to Richmond County Hospice, 1119 N. U.S. Hwy 1, Rockingham, NC 28379.
The family will be gathering at the home of Keven and Sandra McKenzie. Call 910-334-0644 for directions.
The family would like to thank all his caregivers, especially his daughter, Karen, and the people of Richmond County Hospice for their wonderful care of Greg. We would also like to thank Darin Dixon and Harrington Funeral Home for their time and help at this difficult time.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” — 2 Timothy 4:7-8 NKJV
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the McKenzie family.
Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
