Archie Ray McKenzie
August 9, 1937 ~ May 16, 2023
Archie Ray McKenzie, age 85, passed away on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst.
Born on August 9, 1937, in Moore County, he was a son of the late Archie Hannon and Vera Moore McKenzie.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years: Karen Lisk McKenzie; children: Mickie Burns, Deley Richard Hannon McKenzie, William Jason Cameron and wife Jennifer, Maegan Leigh McKenzie, Anna McKenzie Liles and husband Joshua, Emily Rae McKenzie Holland and husband Ramone; grandchildren: Tyler Twigg and wife Cyrenia, Jessica Cameron, Clayton Cameron, Nicholas Cameron, Dylan Seifried, Levi Liles, Laci Liles; great grandchild: Chason Twigg; furry friends: Gus, Calee, Lincoln; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, Archie was preceded in death by his siblings: Robert Earl McKenzie and Judith Ann Toole.
Archie graduated from Farm Life High School in 1956 and served in the United States Navy. He attended Duke University and completed his degree in Respiratory Therapy. In 1970, he started as the Director of Respiratory Therapy at Moore Regional Hospital. Archie worked tirelessly in this role, working sometimes around the clock to take care of his patients, some of which came from as far as New England and Florida. He was active in the training of respiratory therapy students from Sandhills Community College during their clinicals at the hospital. Archie also served as the President of the North Carolina Association of Respiratory Therapists. He retired from Moore Regional in 1995 and later worked in home health care, which meant traveling to take care of patients across the state. Throughout his career and even as a patient he never stopped advocating for quality patient care and treating people with respect and kindness.
He was a wonderful husband, daddy, pawpaw, and friend to many, affectionately referred to as “Mr. Holmes” by Karen. His smile would light up a room and he kept those around him laughing.
He was an active member of Juniper Grange and branched out from that to become a founding member and executive director of Friends Across North Carolina. Through this organization, Camp Funshine, a camp for people of all ages with special needs, was born in 1999 and evolved into year-round activities for those it serves. Camp Funshine was a highlight of the year for Archie, and he will sorely be missed.
Archie was an amazing cook, and for many years he and his family enjoyed catering for a variety of clients. He was most famous for his barbeque, chocolate cake, and smoked turkeys around the holidays. His love of cooking led him to coin the term “Élégante,” which was his word for throwing together leftovers at home and creating something tasty for his family. His passion for cooking was passed down to his children and grandchildren.
Archie enjoyed travelling with his wife lovingly referred to as “Ider”. Some of his favorite destinations include Scotland, The Florida Keys, and his favorite destination, “the mountain house” in Traphill NC.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Culdee Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends after the service and other times at the home of Jason: 1030 Brinkley Road Carthage, NC 28327.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Friends Across North Carolina (FANC) C/O Lucy Wilson 264 Log Cabin Ln. Burnsville NC 28714.
Online condolences may be offered at www.PinesFunerals.com.
Fry & Prickett Funeral Home is honored to serve the McKenzie family.
A wonderful, loving man. A caring, giving father. He was truly a light in my life.
So very sorry to hear of Archie’s passing. Archie was a wonderful person. He never seemed to meet a stranger especially with his hospital co-workers back in the day when the hospital was smaller. I know Karen and all of his family will miss him dearly. Prayers of comfort for all.
It was an honor to have known Archie when I worked at the hospital. I have fond memories of him and his department and appreciated his kind words always. I was fortunate to see him and Karen occasionally in town and I could tell he still knew me as a friend. Karen you have another guardian angel watching over you and the family.
We are so sorry to hear of Archie passing he will definitely be missed may God wrap his arms around this family in this difficult time David and Glenda Dick
Archie was an angel who graced this world.
He will forever be missed.
My love and prayers are with Karen and family
We were so sorry to hear about Archie’s passing. He was such a wonderful person. And yes, his chocolate cake was delicious. I still have the recipe he gave me. We’re keeping you
and your family in our prayers.
Wanda & Mitchell Hardister
I am really sorry for your loss. He was a great person and a friend to many. Always treated his fellow workers at Moore Regional with kindness and respect. Prayers for his family.
I loved working with Archie and Karen! He was always happy and sincere about his work and wanted nothing but the best for his patients! It was fun watching the romance of he and Karen taking place,what a wonderful couple❤️Please know that we will be in prayer for Karen and all his dear family. He was definitely one of the best! Craig and Brenda Pickler
Such a great person and friend! Had a many wonderful meals cooked by Archie and Karen. Always enjoyed seeing him at the hospital! Our deepest sympathy to all the family. Love and Prayers.
To Maegan, son and family:
My deepest and sincere sympathy on the loss of your father. I pray for you and your family’s peace and comfort in this difficult time.
Sincerely, Delia Lynch (Natalie Rodriguez’s mom)
Prayers for the family during this time!
Karen
It sounds like Archie was a Wonderful father and husband as well as friend to many. I know he will be missed! Finding peace and comfort within the Lord will keep you strong.
You and your family are in my prayers in this difficult time.
Archie was a good friend to everyone! He will be missed!
Karen and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Archie. I always enjoyed the stories of Archie and his loyal companion Gus. Truly a man and his best friend. I am praying for you all.
Jeanne Orlando
Prayers for Karen and the family. I am so sorry for the loss of Archie! So many fond memories of him during my days at Firsthealth! Prayers for peace!
Pam Hussey
Sending prayers and love to the family during this difficult time.
I loved working with Archie. He was the only person who could explain Blood Gasses to me and I could understand them. He was a special person that helped so many patients and staff at at Moore Regional Hospital. Karen and family I send my thoughts and prayers your way.
Sincerely, Belinda B. Pope
So sorry to hear of Archie’s death. I worked with him for many years at Moore Regional & Moore Memorial. We all depended on Archie. He was always available & a great person & Respiratory Therapy Department Head. Haven’t seen Archie in many years but have great memories of him.
Prayers for Karen & all his family. 🙏
Thanks for all the good you did while you were here & for all the great memories.Everybody is missing you & that’s how it’ll be until we get there & see you again .Until then, hugs & heys all around .