Robert Eugene Mckenzie, Jr.

Robert Eugene McKenzie, Jr., age 61, of Jackson, Tennessee, passed away on Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Robert, known to his family as “Bob” and “Papa”, was born on June 7, 1961, at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital to his parents Robert Eugene McKenzie, Sr. and Betty Jane Frazier McKenzie Austin. After an unexpected illness, Robert entered his rest early Tuesday morning on the 28th of February joining his parents, daughter, and generations of family and friends in the presence of his loving Savior.
Robert was a follower of Jesus Christ, a faithful servant in God’s House, an honored husband, a beloved father and grandfather, and a respected business executive. He was passionate about being an effective leader in all aspects of life concerning faith, family, work, and community. His guidance focused on helping others make meaningful contributions through serving, on casting vision by defining goals and objectives, and on promoting excellence through distinctive and high quality results.
Robert grew up in the Malesus and Southgate communities of South Jackson. He and his family were active in the Bemis Pentecostal Church. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior as a teenager. Robert attended the Bemis Methodist Church Kindergarten, J.B Young Elementary School, South Side Junior High School, South Side Senior High School, and Union University. He followed in his father’s footsteps by attaining the credentials of Certified Public Accountant.
Robert began his professional career in commercial lending at First American Bank in Jackson, Tennessee. He worked in the Distribution Industry for the final three decades of his career. He served as Chief Financial Officer of Hub City Group, President of Hub City PBE, and most recently served as Executive Director of the Refinish Distributors Alliance buying group.
Robert enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, music, and home improvement projects. He travelled with his family on vacations and short trips. They especially enjoyed relaxing on the Gulf Coast. For his work, he travelled to many destinations throughout the United States. He also visited Europe and Asia. Robert’s interest in music began early as he played trumpet in the church orchestra and high school band. He also played guitar and sang in a Gospel group with his wife and father-in-law.
Robert and Angela Marie Stewart were married in 1979. They recently celebrated their 44th Wedding Anniversary. While raising children and grand-children, Robert and Angela faithfully served in their community and in God’s House. They have attended Englewood Baptist Church for over 30 years. During that time, Robert served under four pastors and was recently serving in the roles of Deacon and Finance Committee Chairman.
Those left to cherish Robert’s memory are his wife of 44 years, Angela, son Robert Eugene McKenzie, III, granddaughters Stella Blue Blackwell and McKenzie Rain Blackwell, brother John Daniel McKenzie, stepmother Doris Kolwyck McKenzie, mother-in-law Avis Bowman Stewart, brother-in-law William H. (Bill) Stewart III and wife Melinda, nephew Clayton Stewart and wife Haley, all of Jackson, and niece Sarah Cronin and husband Ryan, of Denver, Colorado.
Robert was preceded in death by his daughter, Adrienne Marie, his parents, and his father-in-law, William H. (Bill) Stewart.
Serving as pallbearers will be Deacons of Englewood Baptist Church.
SERVICES: A Celebration of Life for Robert will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 4, 2023, in the Chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors, with Dr. Adam Dooley officiating. Graveside services will follow at Ridgecrest Cemetery in Jackson, Tennessee.
The family will receive friends on Friday, March 3, 2023, at Arrington Funeral Directors from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and on Saturday, March 4, 2023, beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the service.
The family has requested that memorial contributions be directed to the Children’s Ministry of Englewood Baptist Church, 2239 North Highland Ave, Jackson, TN 38305, or online at www.ecbjackson.org .
Arrington Funeral Directors 148 W. University Parkway Jackson, TN 38305
731.668.1111 arringtonfuneralgroup.com