Neil McKenzie

Neil H. McKenzie

Oxford

Mr. Neil Hix McKenzie, 84, retired Rancher and Businessman, died Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Oxford, MS where he has resided since 2005 following a decline with Alzheimer's Disease. The funeral service will be held on Monday, September 10, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. in Waller Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Macklyn Hubbell officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:00 to 2:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Oxford Memorial Cemetery.

Born in Ashland, MS on July 9, 1928, Mr. McKenzie was the seventh child of Senator Larkin Tarrant McKenzie and Charlotte Valeria Hix McKenzie. After graduating from Ashland High school, Neil attended Holmes Junior College on a basketball and track scholarship.

Following Leadership School and special training in the U.S. Army, Neil was in combat in Korea in Intelligence and Reconnaissance, assigned to the Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 32 Infantry Regiment, 7th Division. He received the Combat Infantryman Badge; decorations and commendations for heroism, leadership, bravery, valor, honesty and integrity. He was a life member of Patty Rice Post 4800 V.F.W. since 1953; of Glen Crosby Post 165 American Legion and life member of Grenada Co. #29 D.A.V. since 2004.

He owned Neil H. McKenzie Company and Double G. Ranch; was a founding director of North Mississippi Savings and Loan Association and Holiday Enterprises, Inc., serving as Vice President. As a volunteer he flew search and rescue missions for the Civil Air Patrol and law enforcement agencies 1966-1990. A member of First Baptist Church in Cleveland, MS, he was a true gentleman and a kindly gentle man; a loving husband and father.

Mr. McKenzie was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel "Zekie" Brannon McKenzie; sisters, Ruth Evelyn M. Glover and Charlotte Aneva M. Curry and brothers, Robert Winfield McKenzie, Malcolm Torrence McKenzie and Larkin Tarrant McKenzie.

He is survived by his son, John Martin "Jack" McKenzie of Oxford, MS and his sister, Beth M. Welch of Starkville, MS.

Memorial contributions in Mr. McKenzie's memory may be made to the MS State Veterans Home, 120 Veterans Dr., Oxford, MS.

For additional information or to sign an online guestbook, visit our website www.wallerfuneralhome.com or call 662-234-7971.