John Douglas McKinzie

John Douglas McKinzie, 88, of Hot Springs went to be with the Lord on Thursday March 20, 2014. He was born January 25, 1926 in Lometa, Texas to Joel Feldon McKinzie and Emma Belle Hewitt McKinzie. He was known as "Doug" by his brother and sisters, "Pops", "Poppy" and "Papaw" by his grandchildren. He retired from the United States Army on August 31, 1974, as a Sergeant Major, after serving faithfully for 30 years. His service included WWII, Germany, Japan, England, Korea, and Vietnam. His awards included Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, three Army commendation medals, eight awards of the Good Conduct Medal, and numerous service and campaign medals. After retirement from the Military, he spent several years working for the US Postal Service. He had been a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks since 1978, having served as Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge 380 and District Deputy to the Grand Exalted Ruler. He enjoyed cooking for their many events and his chili became a requested dish. He was a lifetime member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Association of Retired Persons. He was an avid gardener and a member of the Garland County Master Gardeners where he served as the President and was voted Master Gardener of the year for 2000. His love for gardening could be shown by walking through his floral and vegetable gardens at his home, seeing him work at the Garland County Fairgrounds, and at the many gardens around Hot Springs. One of his special projects was working with the children at First Step School by helping them start and maintain a vegetable garden. His newspaper articles became an anticipated event for the readers of the Sentinel Record. John took great pride in providing for his family and looked forward to Sunday dinners when the children and grandchildren would gather for one of his delicious dinners. He married his wife, Agnes Ruth in 1976 and they enjoyed 38 years together dancing with square dance clubs and ball room dancing. They loved to travel, and belonging to the Elks and Emblem clubs provided opportunities to do this. They were members of Piney Grove Methodist Church and belonged to the Rainbow Sunday School Class and WOW's Club. He also found a love for genealogy and began searching for his family roots and organized several family reunions. He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Marie Grant; three sisters, Neta Joy Moye, Patsy Ruth Docken, and Doris Murlene Dixon; son-in-law, Don McCloud and grandson, Adam Goodman. He is survived by his wife, Agnes Ruth (Aggie), daughters Sandy McCloud and her children Chase, Cody and Trey; Alfreda Perrine (husband Brian) and their children Zachary (wife Abby) and Derrick; Teresa Withers (husband Michael) and their children Jennifer and Justin (wife Katrina); Alma Gallagher (husband Jim), and Joan Baker (husband Jonathon) and their daughter Catherine. Sons are Johnny Jack (wife Cindy) and their children Crystal, Johnny Jr., Lindsey (husband Ethan), Abby and Ruthie; and John D. McKinzie Jr. and his son John in. He also had 6 great grandchildren. Other survivors include 2 sisters Mary Lou Sturgill, Nancy Sue Martin, one brother Kenneth Alien McKinzie and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at Hot Springs Funeral Home on Monday between the hours of 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. The service will be at 10:00 AM Tuesday at Piney Grove United Methodist Church with the Pastor Scott Gallimore officiating. Internment will be at Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will include his grandchildren. The family wishes to offer special thanks to Hospice of Central Arkansas, Brookfield Assisted Living, and Arkansas Hospice along with the staff on the 5th floor of Mercy Hospital.

John Douglas McKinzie

January 25, 1926 - March 20, 2014