Freddie 'Fred' Andrew McKenzie

“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones.
A legacy is etched into the minds of others
and the stories they share about you.”
—Shannon L. Alder

Freddie (Fred) Andrew McKenzie, 74, of Christiansburg, VA formerly of Princeton, WV departed this life onto eternal rest peacefully on Sunday, March 31, 2019, at his home.

Fred was born on Monday, January 29, 1945 to the late Joe and Viola Forney McKenzie. He was preceded in death by one brother, John W. Hairston, SR, five sisters, Ruby Jean Taylor, Rose Norwood, Sylvia Hairston, Sarah Hairston and Margaret Billups.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Barbara Palmer McKenzie, one daughter, Freddie’Nicole McKenzie-Barnes (Derrick), granddaughter, N’Dia Cyaeir Braxton, three grandsons, Nylan Kristofer Childress, Derrick (DJ) Barnes, JR and Del’Kwon Barnes, all of Christiansburg, VA. Two brothers, Joe McKenzie (Virginia) of Princeton, WV and Elder Leroy Parsons (Bertha) of Roanoke, VA; best friend, Morris Clark; caregivers Allen, Odell and Phillip Palmer and Aldora Green; a host of nieces, nephews.

At an early age, Fred joined The Church of God in Christ in Princeton; W.V. Fred attended Dunbar Elementary, Princeton Jr High and Princeton High School. He will always be a Princeton Tiger at heart!
Fred earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Biology, his Masters degree in Counseling, Guidance and Industrial Relations as well as additional graduate work at the University of Michigan, Northeastern University and Rutgers University.

A dedicated community leader, he served in numerous leadership roles and had many accomplishments including membership in the local MRF NAACP holding the position of legal redress chair, Executive Committee Board Member at large, Golden Heritage Life Membership, a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, INC, an active member of the Masons, holding multiple titles in Virginia, West Virginia and New Jersey. Fred served as Deputy Mayor, Third Ward Councilman and Councilman at Large of Franklin Township, Somerset NJ. He also served on the Franklin Township Board of Education from 1993 to 2000.

An advocate of mankind and human justice, Fred was dedicated to helping his fellow man lending a helping hand with council and advice.

Visitation will be at Horne Funeral Home on Saturday, April 6, 2019, from 1-2 p.m. with a Memorial Service to follow in the Chapel.