Jimmy Dale McKenzie

Jimmy Dale McKenzie, age 81, of Creal Springs, Illinois died Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at CLC at the Marion VA in Marion, Illinois, surrounded by his family. He was born January 16, 1932 in Vienna, Illinois, the son of James and Aleatta (Horsley) McKenzie. Jimmy Dale was united in marriage to Shirley Gurley on August 30, 1953 in Vienna, Illinois. Jimmy Dale is survived by his two sons; Ronnie Dale McKenzie and wife Julie of Creal Springs, Illinois and William (Bill) James McKenzie and wife Nancy of Marion, Illinois and one daughter, Brenda Kay Cavitt and husband Mike of Carterville, Illinois. Nine grandchildren: Jimmie Dale McKenzie and wife Jessica of Virginia Beach, Virginia Kristi McKenzie of Marion, Illinois Scotty Steinmetz of DeSoto, Illinois Amanda Dalton and husband Brad of Marion, Illinois Amy McKenzie of Perrysburg, Ohio Ashley McKenzie of Marion, Illinois Jerime Melvin and wife Tracey of Thompsonville, Illinois Justin Melvin and friend Leigh Duncan of Hurst, Illinois Jennifer Wright and husband Travis of Sesser, Illinois 14 great-grandchildren: Isabella McKenzie of Virginia Beach, Virginia McKenzie, Madalynn, Hailey and Brad Dalton of Marion, Illinois Austin, Cooper and Paisley Melvin of Thompsonville, Illinois Daven, Dustin and Delaney Melvin of Hurst, Illinois McKenzie and Madison Anderson and Maci Wright of Sesser, Illinois Two sister-in-laws: Dorris Lawrence and husband Don of Madisonville, Tennessee and Judy Ragain and husband Vernon of Marion, Illinois Niece Debbie Collins and husband Ray of Maryville, Tennessee Nephew Brad Ragain and wife Jeanine of Marion, Illinois He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Aleatta McKenzie, brother, George William McKenzie and sister, Bonnie Lou McKenzie. Jimmy Dale was a member of the Second Baptist Church in Marion. He served in the Army at the time of the Korean War, his rank was PFC & Corporal. While serving in the Army, Jimmy Dale was in the movie “To Hell and Back” staring Audey Murphy in 1955. Jimmy Dale returned home to his wife and baby boy Ronnie and became a truck driver for many years. Jimmy Dale enjoyed the great outdoors, enjoyed hunting, fishing, and loved building cowboy barns, doll houses, toy boxes and desk for his grandchildren, he had a wonderful talent for craftsmanship he could build anything!! He enjoyed bird watching and working in his flower gardens and riding on his land in his gator. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, June 8, 2013 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion, Illinois with Rev. Barry Bascom officiating.  Private family burial will be later at Oak Grove Bridges Cemetery in Vienna, Illinois.  Visitation will be at 12:00 pm at the funeral home. Military rites will be performed by the Marion VFW, the American Legion and National Guard members. Memorial donations may be made to Oak Grove Bridges Cemetery in Vienna, Illinois and will be accepted at Blue Funeral Home/ 1704 N. Court/ Marion, IL  62959.