Mark Timothy McKinzie, 55, of Bessemer City, NC passed away on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at his residence.

He was born on October 29, 1965 in Cleveland County, NC to James Leonard McKinzie and the late Vera Lee McKinzie.

Mark attended Crest High School and went on to further his education at Brookstone College of Business and Lees-McRae College where he played football and obtained an Associate's Degree. He served in the US Navy for four years and served in the Military Reserves for several years. He also was an advocate and mentor to other veterans in his community. Mark enjoyed singing and recording music. His stage name was Deu M and he was the CEO of ShellTown Music and House of Ms Publishing. His debut album was "Feel Good Music" and his last two singles were"One More Drink"and "Loud as We Want".He also enjoyed modeling, painting canvases, and attending sporting events which included being a huge football fan.

Mark was preceded in death by his mother Vera Lee McKinzie; his maternal grandparents, L. C. Lee and Lottie Mae Hopper Lee; his paternal grandparents Ernest McKinzie and Argatha Thompson McKinzie; one aunt Jeanette McKinzie Gentry (George) and three uncles Billy Joe Lee (Diane), J. C. Lee (Lucille), and Charlie Lee.

Left to cherish loving memories are his father James Leonard McKinzie of Kingstown NC; two children, Loria McKinzie (Miguel) of NJ, and Michael Copeland of Shelby NC, two grandchildren, Cayleigh and Kendrell; two sisters, Linda McKinzie of Kingstown NC, and Sonya McKinzie of Durham NC, a honorary brother Jeffery Parrish Sr. of Kingstown NC; three nieces, Kenbria McKinzie of Kingstown NC, Leiah Famble (Teron) of Greensboro NC, and LaSonya Whitworth (Hugh) of Durham NC; one nephew, Nicholas McKinzie of Gastonia NC; a spouse, Susan of CA; a honorary nephew, Jeffery Parrish Jr.; ten great nieces and nephews, a special friend Joyce Lee, and a host of family and special friends.

The funeral service for Mr. McKinzie will be held on Thursday, June 24, 2021 at 12:00 PM at S.T. Enloe Memorial Chapel. The service will be livestreamed starting at 11:45 AM on Thursday, June 24, 2021. He can be viewed from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM on Thursday, June 24, 2021 at S.T. Enloe Memorial Chapel. The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 24, 2021 from 11:30 AM until 12:00 PM at S.T. Enloe Memorial Chapel and other times at 1800 Kingston Rd. Kingstown, NC. Burial will take place at Salisbury National Cemetery in Salisbury, NC. Condolences can be expressed online at www.enloemortuary.com. Enloe Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.