Mr. James Ernest "Leonard" McKinzie, age 89, of Kingstown, NC, peacefully departed this life on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at his residence. A native of Cleveland County, Leonard was born on December 22, 1935, to the late Ernest Bernice McKenzie and Argatha Violet Thompson McKenzie.

Leonard attended Green Bethel High School before continuing his education at Payne College. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for two years. After his military service, Leonard worked at Dover Mill and later Fiber/Celanese, where he dedicated 35 years before retiring. Known for his wit and humor, Leonard always had a unique nickname for everyone he met, and he loved to unwind by watching classic Westerns.

Outside of his work life, Leonard was a passionate athlete and performer. He competed in the Senior Olympics, where he enjoyed running track, and was a gifted singer. In fact, Leonard founded the Carolina All-Male Chorus, an acappella group that brought joy to many. For years, he was an active member of Eskridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir and shared his love for music with the congregation. Leonard also enjoyed bowling with the Senior League, where he was well known for his competitive spirit and camaraderie with fellow bowlers.

Leonard's family meant the world to him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Vera Jane Lee McKinzie; his son, Mark McKinzie; his stepmother, Annie McKenzie; and his sister, Jeanette Gentry (George).

He leaves behind many cherished memories, which will be fondly remembered by his two devoted daughters, Linda McKinzie of the home, and Sonya McKinzie of Durham, NC; siblings, Robert Watson (Geraldine) and Dorothy Davis (late Arthur). He is also survived by six grandchildren, Kenbria McKinzie of Kingstown, NC; Leiah Famble (Teron) of Greensboro, NC; LaSonya Hudson (Hugh) of Graham, NC; Nicholas McKinzie of Kingstown, NC; Loria Pereyra McKinzie (Miguel) of Charlotte, NC; and Michael Copeland of Shelby, NC. His eleven great-grandchildren, affectionately called his "Boneheads," include Kavion Hopper, Kamden Howell, Malachi Williams, Ka'Marion McKinzie, Triston Famble, Jordan Hudson, Tyler Hudson, Kendrell Pereyra, Naomi Hudson, Levi Hudson, and August McKinzie; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Leonard's loving spirit and sense of humor will be deeply missed, but his legacy of family, faith, and music will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Eskridge Grove Baptist Church, Shelby, NC. Enloe Mortuary was in charge of the services.