Jesse Floyd McKenzie

Jesse Floyd McKenzie, 84 of St. Albans, passed away April 28, 2017 at Thomas Memorial Hospital, after experiencing a cardiac event that afternoon at his home. Jesse was born on January 16, 1933 and was proudly born and raised in Eastern Kentucky. He was in the United States Army during the Korean War, stationed in Germany. He moved to West Virginia in the 1950’s and was the owner of McKenzie Ice Cream Company for over 30 years until his retirement. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oak and Lydia McKenzie, and his baby sister, Millie McKenzie. Jesse is survived by the love of his life, “the sweetest love whatever growed”, Helen McKenzie, of St. Albans. They were married on June 12, 1954 in Lincoln County, WV. Jesse is well known for continually telling everyone how many years, days, months, and hours he and Helen had been married. They were constant companions in everything-from family, to church, to singing their beloved bluegrass music while Jesse played his mandolin. He and Helen performed in their own band, Brushy Fork Bluegrass, and he was also a member of the Pleasant Valley Boys in past years. In recent years, he became her dedicated caregiver when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. No truer love will ever be known on this earth than the bond between these two beautiful people. Jesse is also survived by his daughter and her husband, Debbie and S.A. Hutson of St. Albans, and his son, Kevin McKenzie of St. Albans. He is survived by his granddaughter, whom he and Helen raised as their own, and her husband, Michelle and John Johnson, of St. Albans. Also surviving are his brother and his wife, Albert and Evalina McKenzie, of South Charleston, along with many other extended family members and a host of friends. Jesse was a member of the South Charleston Church of Christ and loved his spiritual family more that words can express. He was a deacon and song leader and loved to serve and worship his Lord. He was a godly man who inspired many others to obey the Gospel throughout his lifetime. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (II Timothy 4:7) Visitation for his family and friends will be held at Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, St. Albans on Tuesday May 2, 2017 from 5-8pm. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday May 3, at 11:00am at the funeral home with Minister Louis Watts officiating. Share memories of Jesse on his tribute page at ChapmanFuneralHomes.com Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, family-owned and located at 409 Sixth Avenue, St. Albans is honored to serve the McKenzie family.

Jesse Floyd McKenzie

January 16, 1933 - April 28, 2017