Obituary of Oscar McKenzie

Oscar McKenzie Sr. , 87, of Utica, New York made his transition on Wednesday, January 7th 2015. He was born on March 6, 1927 in Byromville, Georgia. Oscar was the sixth of fourteen children born to the late Ethel C. McKenzie and Mary (Harvey) McKenzie. Oscar was married to the late Mazelle (Whitehead) McKenzie in June of 1947 and to this union, which lasted sixty-five years, thirteen children were born. Oscar has richly been blessed by God which is evident through his one hundred and forty-one descendents from his union with Mazelle. Oscar McKenzie joined the United States Army where he served during World War II, but his acts of altruism did not stop there. After serving, he relocated to the city of Utica, New York where he joined St. Paul's Baptist Church and has remained a member for over sixty-seven years. Having sang in a quartet with his brothers, Oscar had quite the influence with entertainers in the music industry. No one will ever forget the way he orchestrated local gospel concerts with headliners like the Brooklyn All-Stars, the 5 Blind Boys and the Mighty Clouds of Joy to cultivate proceeds to benefit his church home and their community outreach. Furthering himself into the entrepreneurial world, he owned his own Car Waxing Service for a number of years. He took pride and care in his work, which demonstrated to all his sons to supersede him just what hard-work and determination could accomplish. Oscar was a simplified man that could always enjoy a good Western movie, calculated harness races, soulful gospel music, an occasional two-step followed by an off-beat rhythmic hand clap, as well as a friendly game of cards--if you were prepared to lose. Oscar retired from the Conrail Railroad Corporation after 20 years of service. He was a loving father and grandfather, earning him his dutiful title as "Family Man". Saturdays were reserved for long family drives while Sundays were devoted to morning church services and family bonding in the park. Oscar's four sons: Oscar McKenzie Jr. Esq...Calvin E. McKenzie, Daniel McKenzie and Baby Boy McKenzie; Three daughters: Dorothy McKenzie and two Baby Girl McKenzies; Nine brothers: Edward McKenzie, Joseph (Lula) McKenzie, Eli (Sally Mary) McKenzie, Tom (Martha) McKenzie, William (Claudia), McKenzie, Alfred C. (Clemming T) McKenzie, Ethel C. (Jessie) McKenzie Jr., Earl (Mae) McKenzie, and Carl (Alfay) McKenzie; As well as three sisters: Mamie (John) Boddie, Christine (Enoch) Jackson, and Bertha McKenzie all whom preceded him in death. As he transitions to his new home, Oscar leaves to celebrate his life one son: Mark (Trina) McKenzie of Utica, New York; Five daughters: Clarabelle Crocco of Clayville, New York, Zelma Hymes of Syracuse, New York, Pennie (James) Cummings of Utica, New York, Susan D. Murray of Sauquoit, NY and Lorraine Howard of Charlotte, North Carolina; One sister: Elnora Gay of Byromville, Georgia; One sister in law: Essie McKenzie of Florida; Two daughters-in-law: Pamela McKenzie and Sharlene McKenzie, both of Syracuse, New York and a long lineage of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and church family. For all the years to come, Oscar McKenzie Sr. shall be remembered for his service, his love and kindness towards others, his devotion to his family and his love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.