Mr. McKenzie Banks, 89 of Charlotte, passed away on April 10, 2019 at CMC-University.  He was born August 6, 1929 in Mecklenburg County and the son of the late Simon Jack Banks Sr. and Daisy Talley Banks.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, George Sr., Patrick, Bernard, Charlie, Simon Jr., Samuel Sr., Ruben Sr., Lucy, Rebecca, Laura, Jennie and Annie.

At an early age, he was baptized at Roanoke Christian Church in Palmer Springs, VA and accepted Christ in his life.  Faith, forever the bedrock of his soul, he lived with a song in his heart.  McKenzie once sang with a quartet group and would live and breathe those melodies for the rest of his days.  McKenzie obtained his education through the public schools of Mecklenburg County, VA.  After completing his education, he moved to Newark, NJ to work.  Ultimately, he landed a job at Allied Steel Inc. in Elizabeth, NJ where he worked for over 25 years.

After relocating to New Jersey, McKenzie joined Philemon Baptist Church in Newark to continue his relationship with Christ.  On October 31, 1964, he wed Marjorie Gregory, originally of Clarksville, VA, and to this union, 3 children were born.  He and Marjorie both sang in singing groups in their youth, but it wasn't until 1960 that they formally met through a mutual friend.  Both had moved "up north" for greater opportunities as part of the Great Migration.  He and his wife trailblazed at a time when blacks were fighting for equality and at one point owned two homes in East Orange, NJ.  He was known for cooking his favorite southern foods and loving his favorite baseball team, the New York Mets.  In 2000, he and his wife decided to move to Charlotte, NC to be close to their grandchildren.

McKenzie was the type of man who would do anything for you.  In particular, he would drive you anywhere, just really, really slow.  Whether you call him McKenzie, Shag, Kenzie, Macster, Fatman, Pop, Brother-in-law, or Popsta Pop, he cheered you on with each accomplishment and let you know how proud he was.  McKenzie was a good man and forever had a praying spirit.  No matter how he struggled, he never lost hope in his faith.

McKenzie leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 55 years, Marjorie Banks; 4 children- James (Odessa), South Hill, VA, Eric McKenzie (Marcia), Sutherland, VA, Tricia Michele (Matthew), Bloomfield, NJ, and Corey Michael (Bianca), Charlotte, NC; 11 grandchildren- Shakia, Eric Jr., Sharee, Corey Jr., Corin, Corell, Matthew II, Malachi, Inez, Jamethro, Jermaine; 9 great-grandchildren-Nasir, Khloe, Jasir, Jamel, Jacobi, Jade, Jamir, Jadyn, Jordyn and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.