SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 49

In Memory

of

Stanley McKenzie

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Dr. Stanley McKenzie, who died July 21, 2021, at the age of 76; and

WHEREAS, Born October 6, 1944, Stan McKenzie was a revered citizen who led a rewarding life as a devoted Christian and an Episcopal supervisor of missions; he was also a professional basketball player and a successful businessman; and

WHEREAS, Stan McKenzie graduated from New York University, where he was a star basketball player, and he was drafted into the National Basketball Association in 1966; he played guard for the Baltimore Bullets, the Phoenix Suns, the Portland Trailblazers, and the Houston Rockets; and

WHEREAS, After his professional basketball career, Dr. McKenzie served in business management positions specializing in human resources and personnel services, and he oversaw operations and budgets for several successful corporations; and

WHEREAS, He followed a new calling in 2000, when he became the first male supervisor of the Missions and Children's Work of the Women's Missionary Society in the African Methodist Episcopal Church; as a supervisor of missions, he guided beneficial programs and projects in the 18th, 13th, and 10th Episcopal Districts, which brought life-saving services to several African countries and resulted in thriving youth programs and community initiatives in Texas, Tennessee, and Kentucky; he was also proud to have established a scholarship program for students attending Paul Quinn College; and

WHEREAS, This esteemed religious leader shared a life of faithful Christian service with Bishop Vashti McKenzie, his devoted wife of more than 40 years; they were blessed with three children, and their two grandchildren brought him great pride and joy; and

WHEREAS, Stan McKenzie was an active member of several civic and professional organizations and a longtime member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; his many accolades include his induction into the New York University Hall of Fame and a lifetime achievement award; and

WHEREAS, A man of wisdom and generosity, Stan McKenzie was an exceptional missionary who helped countless people to survive their individual struggles; he was beloved by many, and he will long be remembered with deep respect and admiration by all who were privileged to share in his life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Dr. Stanley McKenzie; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Stan McKenzie.

West

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on August 4, 2021, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate