Billy Gene Mckenzie

Billy Gene McKenzie, age 93, of Decatur, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

He was a son of the late R.L. Mckenzie and Myrtle Randolph. He was a United States Navy Veteran and an avid farmer and sweet eater. He retired from the Tennessee Department of Transportation with over 30 years of service as a foreman. He enjoyed time on the river, spending time with his friends and family, and would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed help. He attended Whiteside Baptist Church. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years: Johnnie B McKenzie; brother: Rueben Lafayette McKenzie Jr.; niece and nephew: Cindy Howard, James Anthony “Tony” McKenzie.

He is survived by his daughter: Lesia McKenzie Thornton (Jeff); stepson: Perry Harris (Cathy Howard); siblings: George Madison (Shelby) McKenzie, Jerry (Jeanna) McKenzie, Mary Lou (Benny) DeLoch; grandchildren: Amanda Esque (Mikel) and Megan Thornton, Daniel Harris (Tiffanie), Tara Hamilton (Xan); great-grandchildren: Kenzie Rae Esque, Elizabeth “Izzy”, Mikel “Tripp” III, Robert “Scotty” Esque; special friends: Mercy and Harold Painter, Annette and Marvin White; several nieces, nephews, other extended family, and a host of friends.

A funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 19, 2025, in the chapel of Decatur Funeral Home & Cremation Services with the Rev. Jeff Thornton and the Rev. John Garringer officiating.

Interment will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 in the Chattanooga National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m., prior to the service on Monday.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Nurses and Doctors in the Critical Care Unit at CHI Memorial.

Decatur Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to serve the McKenzie Family.