Bill McKenzie

Bill McKenzie, “Mr. Bill”, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, departed this life on December 14, 2024 in Charleston, South Carolina. He was born January 4, 1937 in Swainsboro, GA, to the late Joe and Sara McKenzie. Bill was predeceased by three siblings, Johnny McKenzie, Katie McKenzie, and Hartwell McKenzie. 

Bill worked as a medical supply salesman for more than 40 years, first in Savannah, GA, and relocating to Charleston, SC in the early 1970s. He enjoyed his work and always did his best for his customers, which led him to start Coastal Medical Supply in North Charleston, which was later sold to a larger company. Bill found joy in NASCAR auto racing like nothing else and competed at Summerville Speedway for many years. While neighbors rose early for fishing or hunting, Bill could be found in the garage tuning his racecar, or at the track with family and lifelong friends. After he hung up his driving gloves, he continued to enjoy the pursuit of racing from the pits as a member of Benny Gordon’s racing team, where he earned his treasured nickname “Mr. Bill”. In retirement, he was most proud to see his grandchildren grow up and to earn the more treasured nickname “Grandaddy”. 

Bill is survived by his wife of 66 years, Joyce Cannon McKenzie, sons William Joseph (Bill) McKenzie (Christy) and Gregory Lee (Greg) McKenzie (Clarissa), and four grandchildren, William Joseph (Mac) McKenzie, Jr., Frances Christian (Frannie) McKenzie, Madison Taylor (Mattie) McKenzie, and Hewitt Joseph McKenzie. 

A graveside service to honor Bill’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens, located at 1308 Mathis Ferry Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464. Mr. Bill will be remembered for his endearing smile, immaculately polished shoes, and always striving to be and do his best for those around him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: First (Scots) Presbyterian Church, 53 Meeting St. Charleston, S.C. 29401, https://first-scots.org/gratitude-giving/ or Water Mission, P.O. Box 63320, Charlotte, NC 28263-3320, https://watermission.org/give/. 

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel. A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrysturh.com.