Hugh “Frank” McKenzie, 79, of Cullman passed away Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020.
He was born in Garden City, Alabama July 13, 1941 to George B., Sr. and Essie Blakie McKenzie.
He was raised in Hayden, Alabama until moving to Cullman as a teenager. He had six brothers and two sisters. Frank married Mildred Hicks Sept. 16, 1961 and together they have two children, Anita Carole McKenzie Brannan and Gregory Frank “Greg” McKenzie and one grandson, Hayden Frank Brannan, who was named after his Papa- Hayden, where Frank was raised, and his middle name is Frank.
Frank was born again April 13, 1969, securing his Heavenly Home where he is rejoicing with family today. He accepted the call to preach the Gospel and was licensed Aug. 25, 1974. He was ordained at Mt. Hebron Baptist Church Jan. 25, 1976. He preached his first sermon at Mountain View Missionary Baptist Church in Trimble, Alabama Jan. 4, 1976 and accepted their nomination to serve as their pastor in February 1976. He served as their pastor until he felt the Lord leading him in another direction, but God called him back to Mountain View several years later and he again served as their pastor overall for more than 15 years. God led Frank and Mildred to Enon Baptist Church in Eva as their pastor for a time. God also led them to Mountain View Baptist Church in Blount County in his final position as their pastor for several years.
Frank was a truck driver since the age of 16 and spent many years in that profession until his retirement in 2013 from Walmart. During his years as a truck driver he also pastored a church and was always busy visiting when he was home after work. Frank loved preaching the Gospel and looked forward to carrying the message that God had prepared for his people every chance he got. Frank loved to joke and cut up with everyone and he would always make you laugh and have fun. He took his duty to deliver the Gospel seriously but could always have fun while serving and witnessing for the Lord. Frank loved the Lord, his family, his friends and all of his extended church family with his whole heart and loved seeing and talking to them all anytime he could. If anyone was ever in need, he was the first one there and he enjoyed it. He was a strong, loving, faithful husband, father, Papa, brother, uncle, and friend. He was so loved and will be missed on this earth, but his entire family is so excited to know that he is rejoicing today with his Lord and we know we will be with him again after a while.
His family will receive friends Friday, Feb. 7, 2020 from 5-8 p.m. at Moss Service Funeral Home. The Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be in the chapel of Moss Service Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020 at 2 p.m. with the Revs. Delbert Freeman, Larry Nail and his brother Ben McKenzie officiating. Burial will follow at Welti Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Hugh Frank McKenzie to the Gideons. Condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at www.mossservicefh.com.
Frank is survived by wife Mildred McKenzie; daughter Anita Brannan; son Greg McKenzie; brother Ben (Pat) McKenzie; and grandson Hayden Brannan.
He was preceded in death by father George B. McKenzie, Sr.; mother Blakie McKenzie; sisters Edna McKenzie and Tina Boyst; and brothers George “Mack” McKenzie, Mike McKenzie, Steve McKenzie, Cleveland McKenzie and Glenn McKenzie.
