Rady Onis McKenzie

Rady Onis McKenzie, 104, of Litchfield, passed away at his residence Friday, October 11, 2024, with his daughter by his side. Mr. McKenzie was born May 18, 1920, in Stantonville, TN, a son of Mance and Leorie (Smallwood) McKenzie. He married Hazel Gladys McCann on August 30, 1941 in Corinth, MS. They enjoyed 77 years of marriage until her passing November 30, 2018.

Mr. McKenzie, along with his wife, moved to Alton, IL, in May 1942, where he began work for Mr. DuVal as a carpenter and roofer. A hardworking man, he held many jobs throughout his lifetime including Olin Corporation, railroad maintenance worker, and at Skinny’s Café in Litchfield. In 1952, he began work at Allis Chalmers, later known as Fiat Allis, and retired in 1982 after 30 years.

Mr. McKenzie lived life to the fullest. He treasured time spent with his large extended family and friends. He loved playing his guitar and fiddle and played with renown Tennessee musician Ernest Whitten. He was in two local bands in the area, one being Wayne Pierce’s band.  He enjoyed traveling with his wife, camping and fishing. Keeping with the times, he and his wife enjoyed playing Nintendo, wearing out 3 units in a decade. He loved board games, especially checkers, dominos and Aggravation. His favorite story to tell was as a young man in Tennessee, he received a ride from notorious gangster, John Dillinger.

Mr. McKenzie is survived by:

3 sons, Sam (Mary) McKenzie of Livingston; John McKenzie and Ron McKenzie, both of Litchfield

2 daughters, Jeanne (Rev. Jack) Barrett, Sr. of O’Fallon and Sara McKenzie of Litchfield

Numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mr. McKenzie is preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a son, Ray McKenzie; daughter LaVonne Sutton; son-in-law Chester Sutton; 3 brothers; 2 sisters; a great-granddaughter Katerina McKenzie, and an infant great-grandson.

Funeral services for Mr. McKenzie will be held at 12 noon Friday, October 18, 2024 at Plummer Funeral Home. Rev. Jack Barrett, Sr., son-in-law of Mr. McKenzie officiating. Burial will be in Elm Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.  Memorials may be directed to Litchfield Volunteer Fire Department or Hearts United.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.