Kenneth Douglas McKenzie

Kenneth Douglas McKenzie, 76, of Peletier, passed away on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Carteret Health Care.

His funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, June 29th at Munden Funeral Home, officiated by Pastor Tim Marriner. Interment will follow at Gethsemane Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior.

Kenneth was born on October 21, 1946, to the late Thomas and Christine McKenzie. Born and raised in Glen Cove, Long Island, New York, he remained there until the age of 14, later moving to Bayville, Long Island. Kenneth graduated from Locust Valley High School with the Class of 1964 and went to work at Powers Chemco directly out of high school. His dedication to his career was evident in his almost 20 years of faithful employment. Kenneth placed great importance on his family and took great pride in working hard to support and care for them.

In 1979, Kenneth met Carol Arata and they wed on January 17, 1981. In 1985, they vacationed in North Carolina where they fell in love with the area. By 1986, Kenneth had retired from his job in New York, and they made the move to the South, making North Carolina their new home.

Kenneth loved working in the yard and took great pride in making his home look beautiful. He loved being on his riding lawn mower which was both relaxing and rewarding. Refinishing furniture was one of Kenneth’s favorite hobbies. He appreciated bringing new life to old pieces and showing his personalized craftsmanship. He also found joy in collecting coins and the thrill of searching for and finding a valuable rare coin. Kenneth always enjoyed a round of golf, enjoying the course, the camaraderie of fellow golfers, and the skill of the game.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Carol Teresa Arata McKenzie of the home; children, Lisa Marie Alexander and Kenneth Joseph McKenzie; stepdaughter, Christina Tomlinson and husband Jeffrey; sister, Dorothy Merritt; and his grandchildren who were his pride and joy, Joseph McKenzie, Noah Alexander, and Jonah Alexander.

In addition to his parents, Kenneth was preceded in death by his brother, Arthur McKenzie.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Autism Society of North Carolina, 5121 Kingdom Way # 100, Raleigh, NC 27607, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or the Alzheimer's Association Eastern North Carolina Chapter, 5171 Glenwood Ave., Suite 101, Raleigh, NC, 27612.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.