Judge Franklin Cooper McKenzie, Jr., 77 of Laurel, MS passed away Friday, December 29, 2023, at Forest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, MS. He was born Thursday, December 19, 1946, in Laurel, Mississippi.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Franklin Cooper and O.Z.  Tucker McKenzie Sr.

Survivors include his wife, Joann Cheeks McKenzie of Laurel, MS; son, Jonathan McKenzie (Cindy); daughters, Elizabeth McKenzie Rackley (Will) and Sarah McKenzie Giron (Jason);  grandchildren, Mollie Rackley, Joe Lester, Lou Lester, BenMcKenzie, Emma Kate McKenzie, Madi Grace McKenzie, Tucker Giron and Annabelle Giron; sister, Becky McKenzie Shoemaker (Mike); nephews, Scott Shoemaker and Brian Shoemaker; niece, Katie Cooley; sister-in-law, Diann Walters (Larry) and Noelle McKinnon Long-time administrative assistant and family friend.

Judge McKenzie grew up in Tuckers Crossing Community and attended Ellisville High School, where he graduated in 1964. After graduating with an Associate of Arts Degree from Jones County Junior College and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, he married his high school sweetheart in 1968. He later earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi. He was admitted into the Mississippi Bar in 1972 and practiced law for 22 years before he was elected to the bench.

Judge McKenzie served as Laurel City Attorney for 16 years and was corporate counsel for South Central Regional Medical Center for 11 years. He also served in the Mississippi Army National Guard from 1968-1978. Judge McKenzie has served as President of the Jones County Bar Association and was a member of the Board of Governors of the Mississippi Trial Lawyers Association.

In 1994, Judge McKenzie was elected to the bench to serve the 19th Chancery Court of Jones and Wayne Counties. He served these counties for 25 years and was reelected 6 times. He retired on June 30, 2020, but continued to hear cases occasionally as a senior status judge by the appointment of the Mississippi Supreme Court.

He was described by his colleagues and friends as honest and fair. He paid meticulous attention to detail and had an encyclopedic recall of case law. He had a great legal mind and a caring heart. He knew how to assist those who couldn't afford lawyers by helping them gain access. In fact, while practicing law, he often took cases pro bono or at a reduced rate. Judge McKenzie also took pride in mentoring young attorneys as well as young athletes. He coached Dixie Youth and Dixie Boys baseball for numerous years and served as Deputy State Director of Mississippi Dixie Boys Baseball.

Judge loved to cook and experiment in the kitchen. He was often the chef at the deer camp, ball field, school events, and various church functions. He was famous for his Mexican cornbread and loved for others to brag about his cuisine.

Although he wore many hats, his greatest role was as a dad and grandad. Frank loved his children and grandchildren and spent a great deal of time bragging about them and their accomplishments. He carried around pictures and videos on his phone and never minded pulling them out to show someone. He and his wife of 55 years were members of Ellisville First United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 31, 2023, from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at Ellisville First United Methodist Church in Ellisville, Mississippi. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at 3:00 PM at Ellisville FirstUnited Methodist Church with burial to follow in Lake Park Hills Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi. Dr. Randy Turner, Rev. Mark Anderson, and Rev. David McGowin will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge ofarrangements. 601-649-3342 .

Pallbearers will be Ben McKenzie, Tucker Giron, Scott Shoemaker, Brian Shoemaker, Brian Shoemaker, Jason Giron, and Kyle Smith.

Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Joe Landrum, Wayne Thompson, Dal Williamson, Robert Burroughs, Nick Welch, Jack Armstrong, Bobby Walker, and the members of the Jones & Wayne County Bar Association.​

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com