It’s with great sadness that I announce the death of my good friend Gwynne McKenzie in Memphis from complications after pneumonia. Most of you will not know Gwynne, but she was an extremely kind and caring woman who, along with her husband, Dr. Eugene McKenzie (who I affectionately call Eugenius because of his amazing intelligence), insisted that myself and the guys stay at their home when we were in town. For many years we have escaped the expense of staying in hotels, and enjoyed breakfast around the McKenzie table just a short distance from Graceland. Gwynne always fussed over us guys like a Grandmother, making sure we stocked up with water in August and were wrapped up in January. Nothing was too much trouble (even waking her to let us in a 3am because the garage door got stuck). I can hear her voice right now calling after her little dog ‘Cotton’.A few days ago I received the awfully sad email from Dr. McKenzie informing me of her condition. In the email he mentioned our forthcoming visit in May and he informed me that whatever the outcome, we were to count on staying at the house as usual. What a true gentleman – one of a kind.I’ll always remember Gwynne for a saying that I’ve loved and used myself for some time now. When preparing breakfast one morning she asked how I wanted my bacon. “Do you you want to bend it, or snap it?” she said.As a team, the McKenzie folks were caring. Heavily involved in their church and both enjoyed fulfilling jobs in the medical field. I know that Mr. McKenzie will continue what comes naturally to him, and I can’t wait to hug my dear friend in a few weeks.Myself and the guys will never forget our ‘Grandmother’ Gwynne. Who, by the way, saw Elvis on his motorcycle one time in 1956.Her death is a huge loss to all who knew her, and Memphis just will not be the same for me and the boys without her.
