John Matthew "Spider" Mckenzie

John Matthew “Spider” McKenzie, 93, of Lake Park passed away Thursday, February 4, 2021 at South Georgia Medical Center following a short illness. Mr. McKenzie was born on February 18, 1927 in Miami, FL to the late Eugene and Margaret McKenzie. A three-time wrestling champion in 1947, 48, and 49 in the 136 lb. class, earning the name “Spider” he graduated in 1951 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University (API). He served in the United States Army for 2 years and was a commissioned officer in the Reserves. Mr. McKenzie married Francis May Giddens and then they were known as Frankie & Johnnie. He worked as a construction engineer with Florida Power and Light before making a career with ITT in Valdosta. He was promoted to Division Tooling Manager and held that position until his retirement in 1991. He was an active member of Francis Lake Golf Course and community for many years.
Surviving is a son, Bruce McKenzie of Lake Park; granddaughter Kimberly McKenzie Cattell (Dale) of Orlando, FL; a grandson Matthew McKenzie of Atlanta; great granddaughter Katie Jane McKenzie of Reno, NV; great grandson Jacob Matthew McKenzie of Atlanta; a sister Norma Lee McKenzie; six nieces, Cheryl Justice, Margene Justice, Carol Lee Barbor, Mary Lynn McKenzie, Anna Margaret Adair, and Jacqueline Meeks; four nephews, Darryl McKenzie, Jr., Teddy McKenzie, Raymond Meeks, Jr., Alston Meeks. In addition to his parents and his wife, Francis May Giddens McKenzie, he is predeceased by a sister, Jacqueline McKenzie Meeks, two brothers, Eugene McKenzie, Darryl McKenzie, a niece, Ginger Meeks and a nephew Matthew Meeks.
Graveside services for Mr. McKenzie will the held Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. in Oak Hill Cemetery, Talladega, AL. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 12, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.at McLane Lakewood Funeral Home, Lake Park, GA. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Auburn University Foundation, www.auburngiving.org. Condolences may be expressed at www.mclanecares.com. McLane Lakewood Funeral Home