Charles Darius McKenzie

Charles Darius McKenzie, 72, was taken gently by God on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at his home in Ellerbe under the loving care of his family and Richmond County Hospice. Darius was born November 18, 1935 in Moore County, the third of ten children born to Patrick and Magdalene Ritter McKenzie. He was raised in the Eastwood community of Moore County where he attended school, served eight years of duty in the Army National Guard for his country and was a member of Culdee Presbyterian Church. He retired from Summerville Chevrolet in Michigan after 32 years of service. Darius had many interests, restoring cars, gardening, hunting and his favorite, fishing. His father, Patrick McKenzie, brothers Pete, Tony and Wesley McKenzie, son-in-law, Bill Lynthacum, step-sons-in-law, Earl Damman and Charlie Stone and his wife of 23 years Reva Marsh McKenzie all preceded him in death. Surviving are his mother, Magdalene of the home, children, Pamela Lynthacum of West End, Wesley McKenzie and wife Sherry of Rockingham, Mike McKenzie and wife Diane of Ellerbe, Diane McKenzie of Troy, Patricia McCormick and husband Barry of Ellerbe, Lee McKenzie and wife Beth of Troy, Crystal McCurry and husband Jimmy of Lawndale, Doris McLemore and husband Wayne of Pontiac, Michigan, Mary Wherry and husband Steve of Genesee, Michigan, Betty Scism of Lawndale, Cindy Grayson and husband Terry of Lawndale; step-daughters, Linda Damman of Manistique, Michigan, Pat Chervus and husband Gary of Grand Blanc, Michigan, and Diane Slone of Grand Rapids, Michigan; twenty-six grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; brothers, Dan McKenzie and wife Sally of Durham, Ronald McKenzie of Eastwood, Irwin McKenzie of New Buffalo, Michigan, Larry McKenzie and wife Patty of Eastwood; sisters, Marcia Fowler and husband Mitchell of Pinebluff, Brenda Fields and husband Bobby of Statesville and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday at Culdee Presbyterian Church with Rev. James Watson and Rev. Joey Byrd officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will see friends from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Friday at Carter Funeral Home in Ellerbe and at other times at the home on Wall Street. Memorials may be made to Richmond County Hospice, 1119 US Hwy 1 N., Rockingham, NC 28379.