June 6, 1944 – September 15, 2024

Robert “Bob” McKenzie, Jr., had a saying, “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.” On Sunday, September 15th, Robert faded away to our heavenly home. He entered our earthly home on June 6, 1944 (D-Day, as he always reminded us) perhaps that is where the seed was planted to have a military career. He was the son of Cora Mae Leigh and Robert Lee McKenzie, Sr., the grandson of Flossie Johnson and the brother of sixteen siblings. Survived by wife Joyce (60 years; July 25th), son Robert “Bobby”(wife Sandy), daughters Valentina “Tina” and Charlotte ”Charlie” (husband Sean). Grandchildren: Zach, Kellen (wife Maliyah) and Mason. Siblings: brother James and sisters Helen, Gloria (husband Aaron), Daralene, and Maralene. In-laws: Kathy and Sonny. Godson: LeRoy. And unofficially adopted children: Michelle, Kerri, Jill, Nicole, Amber, Debbie, Warren, Marlon, David,

Christopher, Chris, and numerous nieces, nephews, family, & friends.

Robert was born in Mobile, Alabama. In the Army, he served in the 82nd Airborne Division, was one of the Army’s first Drill Sergeants. He was commissioned during Vietnam, where he served as an officer in the 75th Rangers (Lineage-WWII, Merrill’s Marauders) and commanded several combat units. On December 19th, 1968, First Lieutenant McKenzie was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant McKenzie distinguished himself by heroism while serving as rear scout with Company H, (RANGER), 75th Infantry Platoon (Airborne) in Phuoc Long Province, Republic of Vietnam.

He also received the Air Medal with “V” Device on May 13th, 1969. While participating in aerial flight in the Republic of Vietnam, First Lieutenant McKenzie distinguished himself by heroism in action while serving as a platoon leader with Company H (RANGER), 75th Infantry (Airborne) during the extraction of his platoon in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam. His display of personal bravery and devotion to duty kept within the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

The highlight of his military career was the opportunity to spend the last six years of his career as a member of an internal organizational development/systems change task force and was commissioned to assist the Army’s leadership in the critical change from a draft to a volunteer force (Army Re-UP). He retired from the Army in 1982 and the family moved to Federal Way, WA.

Major (Ret) Robert McKenzie was a member of BIOAC (Benning Infantry Officer Advanced Course) named for the 10 Black officers graduating from the Officer Candidates School (1971).

For many years Bob has owned a human and organizational development consulting and marketing business that has served a wide range of national and international clients. He has served on numerous community boards, committees and projects. His most prized community service was Rotary, where he had been a member for 41 years and served as chair of the scholarship committee. His formal education includes a GED (U.S. Armed Forces Institute), BS (University of Maryland), MBA & MPA (Golden Gate University), and a Ph.D. (Fielding Graduate University).

For family and friends who are unavailable to attend the services, please try our online version for convenience. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Federal Way Rotary Scholarship Fund on his behalf.

The McKenzie family wishes to thank everyone who sent flowers, sympathy cards, and offered their prayers and support at the passing of their beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather. We really appreciate your love and kindness.

His awards and honors include:

BRONZE STAR MEDAL

MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL

AIR MEDAL (2ND OLC W/V DEVICE

ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL (2ND OLC) W/V DEVICE GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL

NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL

ARMED FORCES EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL (3 CAMPAIGNS)

ARMY SERVICE MEDAL

OVERSEAS SERVICE RIBBON (2)

REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM CAMPAIGN MEDAL

VALOROUS UNIT CITATION

REPUBLIC OF KOREA PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION VIETNAM CROSS OF GALLANTRY W/PALM (w/BS) VIETNAM CIVIL ACTIONS HONOR MEDAL COMBAT INFANTRY BADGE

EXPERT INFANTRY BADGE PARACHUTIST BADGE

DRILL SERGEANT IDENTIFICATION BADGE RANGER TAB

PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION