Celebrating the life of
Julian H. McKenzie
August 25, 1935 - August 20, 2026
Julian H. McKenzie, age 90, passed away peacefully, at Memorial Health University Medical Center on Thursday, August 20, 2026, just five days shy of his 91st birthday. He was born on August 25, 1935, at the McKenzie Farm in Odum, Georgia to the late Julia Long McKenzie and Theodore S. McKenzie Sr. and moved to Savannah at an early age. His military service was with the 118th Field Artillery, serving three years in the National Guard.
Julian was raised in the Old Fort area of Savannah, around Washington Square. Attended local schools, played local sports and graduated from Savannah High School in 1954. He studied at Armstrong Junior College and Georgia Tech and was a registered professional civil engineer and surveyor. He worked with several construction firms during his school years and started his working career with the U.S. Geographical Survey in the study of underground water for the general areas of Georgia and South Carolina. He later transferred to the Savannah District Corps of Engineers, working in the Engineering section. He worked several jobs as assigned and later as project manager for design and construction at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After several years later he transferred to the Middle East Division with the Corps of Engineers for work in Saudia Arabia for a three-year contract. Which included Muscat Oman and North Yemin for Airport rehab and new construction. Julian had nearly fifty years of engineering, design, construction engineering and inspection experience twenty-five of which were with the United States Army Corps of Engineers. After retiring from government service, Julian started another series of work with a private engineering firm as a contract employee for highway and airport projects in South Carolina and Georgia. His work included a new airport for Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, which included a new terminal, parking apron, control tower, and runway taxing extension for a total of two years. Other contract projects included several months in the Philippines for new construction of port facilities and roadways. The overseas work also extended to a project in British Guyana, South America for four and half year stay in Georgetown, Guiana, where his work included rebuild of coastal highway and airport reconstruction. It seems like Julian could not stop working.
New project on his return to the USA from overseas included small country airport in Georgia and South Carolina which included runway extension, taxiways and airport lighting to meet FAA criteria this amounted to the twelve projects for construction engineering and inspection. In January 2006 Julian went on a search for the "Cistern Cornerstone" from the Old Volunteer Washington Fire Company in downtown Savannah. After searching for over a year it was found in the backyard of an old friend. He then went in front of City of Savannah Councilman to get an approval to have a Monument built in their honor. After approval he designed and built this monument with his own money. This Monument was dedicated to The Brave Fireman of the Fire Station No.1 who also served as mentors and role models for the youth of the "Old Fort Section" of Savannah where he and his brothers grew up. Ceremony was on October 14, 2007. This monument is located in Washington Square in downtown Savannah. Julian was a member of Cathedral Basilica of Saint John the Baptist, Fenian Society and was Grand Marshall in 2008, life member of the Knights of Columbus 631, and 4th degree St. Patrick Day Parade Committee, past member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and National Society of Professional Engineers.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Cynthia McKenzie. Groover; and siblings, Theodore S. McKenzie Jr., and Edward McKenzie.
His family includes two daughters, Lisa McKenzie and Leslie McKenzie; his grandchildren, Christopher Hudson, Michael Groover, Suzanne Groover, and Amber Shea Brinson; great grandchildren; Keller Groover and Evan Groover, Fiona Hudson, and Flora Hudson; and several nieces, and nephews.
The graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the Catholic Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at 12 noon at American Legion Post 154 on Tybee Island, GA.
Lisa, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May your many happy memories give your heart solace in those moments you are sad. May he rest in peace everlasting. With love & gentle hugs.
- Jane Patricia Harte, Savannah , Ga
Lisa, our whole Bar Church family has you in our prayers....he was one of a kind and always a Tybee guy....
- Monty Parks, TYBEE ISLAND, georgia
Julian's charm and extroverted personality were combined with his purpose in life to always keep working making him the perfect example of how to live well and grow old properly. His sense of humor and sharp wit will never be forgotten by those of us who knew him and I know for sure he is enjoying never ending happy hours and roast beef sandwiches and projects and friendship with his colleagues and family in the next life.
- Mary Anderson, Savannah, Georgia
Leslie, Lisa and family, Your loss is heavens gain. We all have great memories of this kind, sweet, caring man. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he Rest in Peace.
- Carolyn Beebe, Savannah, GA
Prayers for the family
- james l woods, Savannah, GA
Lisa and Leslie, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I used to enjoy having a drink and chatting with Mr. Julian at Doc's years ago. He was a good man, and I offer my deepest condolences to both of you and your families as well as all of his many friends.
- Maurice Spagnola, Port Wentworth, GA
Leslie, I am so sorry for your loss. What an amazing life he lived. You must be so proud. You and your family are in my prayers. Sending you so much love at this time.
- Cynthia Witherington Moss, Rogersville, TN
Lisa sorry for your loss,he was 2 years older than my mother (mamoo )He will be missed by many but keep all those wonderful memories forever ❤️ and praying for you and all that knew and loved your Dad.
- Ralph Harden (Ben), Monroe, GA
Julian was indeed a gentleman in every sense. Always a kind word and a friend. Condolences to the family and friends.
- Mike Kenny, Savannah, GA
Sorry to hear knew the McKenzie family for many years. Have not seen Julian for a long time.
- Elsie Evans, Savannah, GA
Dearest Lisa, Leslie & the entire McKenzie Clan, Your father was one of the sweetest, kindest men around Savannah. He knew my parents very well and they knew him. Always kind words and actions. He had a wonderful long life. May he rest in peace!! Love to all!! Vicki
- Victoria Mell McCuen, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry to hear such sad news of your dear father. He was blessed to have a family who loved him so much! God bless him and prayers and love for the whole family.
- Carol Kaminsky, Tybee Island, GA
Leslie, I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He was one of The Best!!
- Melenda M Henninge, SAVANNAH, GA
We were so sad to hear about Julian. He was a Tybee “fixture” and we looked forward to seeing him when we were out. Condolences to the family. Lisa, you took good care of your Daddy, we pray for peace and comfort...
- Chuck and Judi Bargeron , Tybee Island, GA
We were so sad to hear about Julian. He was a Tybee “fixture” and we looked forward to seeing him when we were out. Condolences to the family. Lisa, you took good care of your Daddy, we pray for peace and comfort...
- Chuck and Judi Bargeron , Tybee Island, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Graveside Service
- 10:00 a.m. on Wed, August 26, 2026
- Catholic Cemetery
-
1420 Wheaton St. (map)
Savannah GA 31401
