Billy Gillyard McKenzie

Billy Gillyard McKenzie, 97, passed away peacefully in his residence at the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home in Alexander City, AL on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

Mr. McKenzie is preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Mary George Mann McKenzie, his son, William Gilliard “Gil” McKenzie and his parents, George and Clara McKenzie. He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Melanie McLendon McKenzie and his three grandchildren, Sally Claire McKenzie, William Gilliard McKenzie II, and Phillip George McKenzie (Baylor).

Known to many as “Slew,” Billy was born on December 8, 1928, in Tallassee, AL where he lived for 49 years. During his youth, Billy learned an appreciation for the outdoors - hunting, fishing, and wandering around Saugahatchee Creek. He was an avid member of Boy Scouts of America for many years. His family spent summers on Lake Martin, a tradition he brought to his own son and grandchildren. Billy attended Tallassee High School where he spent years playing football under the leadership of Coach J. E. “Hot” O’Brien. Anyone who knew Billy knew how proud he was to play for a coach with a 57 game winning streak. After graduating in 1948, Billy went on to Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University). He spent time working for Alabama Power Company before attending mortuary school in Nashville, TN. He then went to work for his father-in-law at the Mann Funeral Home in Tallassee for the next 11 years. During this time, Billy registered for the draft and served in the US Marine Corps. He was proud to be a Marine and serve his country. After his time in the Marines, Billy went from working as a mortician to the role of personnel manager at the Tallassee Cotton Mill. He loved working for Mount Vernon Mills but was eventually led to the hospital business. From 1974 to 1977 he worked as the administrator of the Tallassee Community Hospital. He then saw an opportunity to re-open the hospital in Evergreen, AL after it had been shut down. Billy and Mary moved to Evergreen for him to run Evergreen Medical Center in 1977 where they lived until 2006. In 1980 he purchased the hospital in Jackson, AL, Jackson Medical Center, and over the years he owned and operated numerous hospitals around the state. Rural health care in Alabama was Billy’s passion and by far his biggest career accomplishments. In 2006, Billy retired and moved to Montgomery, AL where he resided until his admission to the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home in September, 2026.

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I am writing this obituary as Billy’s granddaughter, Sally. Years ago he asked me if I would speak at his funeral and I promptly told him “no” due to stage fright and inevitable tears. However, I decided he would be just as happy if I wrote a personal tribute to the best grandfather, the best “Gangy,” I ever knew.

My grandfather married the love of his life, Mary George, on July 19, 1949. They remained married for 71 years until her death in 2020. My grandparents had a wonderful, loving marriage, full of laughter and fun each day. In 1958 they welcomed their only child into the world, my father, Gil McKenzie. My grandfather was so proud of my dad and the family and life he built. To know that Gangy is reunited with his bride and his son is a glorious feeling.

Gangy was always up for an adventure. He taught my brothers and I to waterski at a young age, drive a truck (also at a young age), hunt, fish, and love college football. Spending time with my dad and brothers at his farm in Elmore County was a highlight of his life. He also had a passion for safari hunting. “Passion” is a small word for his love of South Africa. If you knew him, you understand what I mean by this. He visited the country 11 times, not only hunting but also cultivating lifelong friendships and memories and tales that everyone loved to listen to. He even wrote a book about his African adventures, Bwana: The Unordinary Life of Billy Gillyard McKenzie. He had an impeccable memory and told the best stories up until his death. Although some were repeated many times over the years, there was always a new one to be told.

My grandfather was charming, ambitious, thoroughly entertaining, and had a heart of gold. He loved people and loved the Lord. I have fond memories of listening to Gangy read his Bible before bed when I would spend the night with him as a child. He instilled his beliefs in our family and always led by example, trusting in Jesus every day.

My family wants to send love and thanks to the staff at Oak Grove Inn in Montgomery, Alabama, and to his wonderful sitters, JoAnne, Danielle, Alberta, Sonya and all the others who spent their time with him. We'd also like to say a special thank you to everyone at the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home for the special care they provided in the last month of his life.  We are thankful for the care and compassion each of you showed my Gangy over the years.

To be loved by my grandfather is something I will cherish for the rest of my days, and I can only hope to live a life as full as his.

The family will receive friends Monday, October 5, 2026, from 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00AM at Jeffcoat Funeral Home Chapel, Tallassee, Alabama, Dr. Jay Wolf officiating. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Harbor at Lake Martin, 434 Children’s Harbor Drive, Eclectic, Alabama 36024