Obituary of Paul Butler McKenzie

Paul Butler McKenzie, 92, of St. Petersburg, Florida passed away Thursday evening September 7, 2023 at Bay Pines VA Hospital. Paul was born September 3, 1931 in Ashland, Kentucky, the son of James Robert McKenzie and Pansy Davidson McKenzie. He was predeceased by his loving wife Honour Carroll McKenzie “DeeDee”. He is survived by his three daughters Barbara Ann Wente, Donna Lee Dunn, and Dawn McKenzie Laswell, their seven children and nine great grandchildren. Paul was the 5th of fourteen children. He was predeceased by Thomas Willard, Bill, Bette, Jim, and Marshall. He is survived by Bobbe, Miriam, Vicki, Jane, Jon, Stephen, Dale and Beth.

Paul attended school in Ashland, KY where he enjoyed playing football, basketball, and baseball. As a teen he worked many jobs including working in a sporting goods store. After high school he joined the Army and served in Korea earning two Purple Hearts. After Korea he settled in Arlington, Virginia where he saw his first driving range. He then moved back to Ashland, KY where he bought land and opened a driving range. He had an opportunity to buy a sporting goods store in Pikeville, KY and sold the driving range. In 1960 he sold the store and moved to Florida where he worked for Allstate Insurance Company. With Allstate he moved from Florida to Milwaukee, to Kansas City, to Texas retiring after 30 years. During those years he had many vacation condos where he could be found, most days, playing golf; the game he loved most!

When asked what was the accomplishment he was most proud of he said that it was building the house on the island he bought on the Homosassa River, FL. He bought one barge and had another built moving the construction crew, all the building materials, including water, to build a beautiful house 14’ off the ground. He and DeeDee spent many happy times entertaining family and friends on the island. He loved his dogs and is survived by his Yorkie, “Scout”. Paul had a great sense of humor and an amazing memory telling great jokes and wonderful stories to all.

There will be a Memorial Service at Bay Pines National Cemetery November 14, 2023 at 11:00 am followed by a reception at the St. Petersburg Country Club.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make donations to the SPCA or a charity of your choice.