Donald Harris McKenzie, born May 31, 1947 passed thru Heaven’s gate to greet his Lord on Monday, August 28, 2017 after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis and complications from a lung transplant. He was the son of the late Daniel Kenneth McKenzie and the late Rose Harris McKenzie. Donald was born in Vidalia, Georgia, and grew up in Augusta, Georgia, graduating from Richmond Academy and Auburn University with a degree in Civil Engineering. He served as President of the Auburn chapter of Chi Epsilon Honorary Engineering Fraternity. He worked for Texaco Refinery, Baton Rouge, LA and Savannah River Site, Aiken, SC.
He is survived by the love of his life, Becky Brown McKenzie to whom he had been married for 47 years. He is survived by a son, Jason Patrick McKenzie (Stephanie Cox) and precious grandson, Patrick Harris McKenzie. Donald is proceeded in death by an infant daughter. Survivors include sisters and brothers, Eva McKenzie Jackson, Daniel Kenneth McKenzie, Jr. (Montana), Malinda McKenzie Rogers (Bill) and Dr. Timothy McKenzie (Karen). He is also survived by 2 nieces and 1 nephew and 1 great niece and great nephew.
Beside his family, Donald loved his church, First Baptist, where he served as a Deacon and was a member of many committees, and the Exchange Club of Augusta. He loved working at the Exchange Club Fair and the Charity Golf Classic. He was an accomplished woodworker, telling Becky before she would buy a piece of furniture, “I can make that, don’t buy it!” He enjoyed playing the trumpet in high school, 2 church orchestras and the Augusta Concert Band. Al Hirt was his hero.
Golf was a huge part of Donald’s life spending many Sunday afternoons after church playing golf with Jason at West Lake. His pride and joy was his son and the accomplishments Jason had thru golf including a scholarship to Mississippi State. Donald served as a Gallery Guard on the 6th hole at the Masters Tournament for 26 years. This was one of his favorite volunteer “jobs”.
Donald loved helping others. He had a servant’s heart for those in need. He worked with Men on Missions at First Baptist Church helping build wheelchair ramps and other projects the group took on in the community. Always on the go, he never wanted to sit and do nothing!!! His zest for life was contagious.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, September 6 at 2:00pm at First Baptist Church, Augusta, GA. Dr. Rodger Murchison and Rev. Patti Fowler will be officiating the service. The family will receive friends Tuesday, September 5 from 6-8 at Platt’s Funeral Home, 337 North Belair Road, Evans, GA 30809.
If desired, contributions may be made to the Augusta Exchange Club Charity Fund, P.O. Box 3884, Augusta, GA 30914-3884 or First Baptist Church Debt Retirement, 3500 Walton Way Ext., Augusta, GA 30909.
Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Augusta Exchange Club and the Cason Bruker Bible Class.