William Daniel "Willie" McKenzie

William "Willie" Daniel McKenzie, a loving and devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend to all, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends at Houston Methodist Hospital in Texas on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at the age of 43. He was a former pipefitter foreman with Turner Industries, resident of Brusly and native of Addis, LA. Visitation will be held at The Chapel BR at LSU on Monday, August 18, 2025, from 10am until religious services at 12pm, conducted by Pastor Abram Ebersohn. Interment will follow at Grace Memorial Park, Plaquemine. Willie is survived by his wife of 17 years and high school sweetheart, Emily Louis McKenzie; daughters, Mia Grace, Olivia Kate, and Emma Rose McKenzie; parents, Danny and Polly Tullier McKenzie; siblings, Katie and Jonny McKenzie; father and mother-in-law, David and Bonita Adkins Louis; brothers-in-law, Corey Louis and fiancé Farah Nelson, and Casey Louis and wife Lindsay; niece and nephews, Mack Williams, Brody and Molly Louis; best friend and confidant, Darren Hernandez; grandfather and grandmother-in-law, Nick and Nettie Ann Gentile Louis; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Preceded in death by grandparents, Fermin, Jr. "Pedoe" and Norma Ann Hebert Tullier, Merlin, Jr. and Leona Allemond McKenzie; and grandfather and grandmother-in-law, George and Theresa Walton Adkins. Pallbearers will be Jonny McKenzie, Corey and Casey Louis, Darren Hernandez, Travis Morris and Brennan Landry. Honorary pallbearers will be George, Donny, Michael and Justin Tullier. Willie was a 2001 graduate of Brusly High School where he played football and received all-district honors as an offensive lineman. In his senior year, he was an individual State Champion wrestler in his weight class and received an athletic scholarship to Missouri Valley College. Willie then attended Southeastern where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in history with a minor in sociology. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and duck hunting. Willie had a passion for training his hunting dog, Abby. He was a deep thinker, philosopher and enjoyed lengthy conversation with his oldest daughter Mia, who he also loved to watch dance. Willie passed down his love of the outdoors to his middle daughter Olivia, who he mentored in competition shooting in 4-H. He passed on his witty sense of humor to his youngest daughter Emma, who he enjoyed sharing stories with from his youth. Later in his life Willie found a passion for cooking and gardening, especially growing tomatoes. Willie was a selfless, humble, and dedicated family man; he was the ultimate girl dad and everything he did was for his wife and daughters. Willie never let his health battles hinder his spirit, nor did he ever complain. He will be greatly missed by any and everyone who had the honor and privilege of knowing him. His legacy will live on through the love he gave to his wife and daughters, as well as "Willie's Law," a piece of legislation passed through the efforts of Senator Caleb Kleinpeter. Willie's Law increases organ donation awareness by providing the opportunity to become an organ donor when purchasing a Louisiana hunting or fishing license. Although our hearts are broken, our faith in God reassures us that this is not goodbye, it's see you later. Special thanks to Houston Methodist Hospital doctors and staff, Hector with Neal Funeral Home in Cleveland, TX and Michelle with Wilbert Funeral Home for their kindness, compassion and care. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7.