Thomas R. McKenzie

Life Reflections:

Thomas Ralph McKenzie was born in Charlotte, North Carolina to his parents, Elijah and Roxie McKenzie. Affectionately known as Ralph to family and friends, he was the sixth of ten children. As an enterprising schoolboy, his winning personality and quick wit made him one of the most sought-after caddies at the local golf course. Charismatic and handsome, Ralph was also popular around the neighborhood and with his classmates at Second Ward High School. It was at Second Ward where he met and wooed the lovely Helen Ferguson.

After graduating Ralph followed older brother, John, to Joliet, Illinois as part of the great migration of young men who immigrated from the South in pursuit of jobs and opportunities in the Northern states. Ralph quickly found employment at Caterpillar Tractor as a welder. After a few years at Caterpillar, he resigned to enlist in the US Army in 1957. During his service, he was stationed in Germany and enjoyed touring the country with his Army buddies. In 1959, Ralph completed his service and returned to Charlotte to marry his high school sweetheart, Helen after she completed her nurses training. Following their wedding at Clinton Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Charlotte, the newlyweds moved north to Joliet, Illinois to begin their life together.

Ralph returned to his position as a welder at Caterpillar. His hard work paid off when he was promoted and became the first Black security officer at the Caterpillar plant. Blessed with a friendly and outgoing nature and an inquisitive mind, Ralph combined those traits and became a realtor and a real estate investor when he retired from Caterpillar after 37 years of service.

A resourceful and self-taught handy-man, Ralph lovingly and meticulously maintained the home that he and Helen built for their family on New Lenox Road as well as other properties that he owned and managed. When he was not roaming the aisles of his favorite hardware stores, Ralph was known to frequent his beloved Harrod’s. He always believed that the perfect wrench, or the big jackpot were just around the corner!

Ralph and Helen joined Brown Chapel A.M.E when they moved to Joliet in 1959 and remained faithful and active members for over 60 years. He took pride in his role as a trustee. He was instrumental in procuring the site for Brown Chapel’s current location and took pride in ensuring the soundness of the structure of the new church.

Above all, Ralph loved his large extended family. He enjoyed family reunions and other celebrations when he could gather with his siblings and recall stories and tall tales about their youthful escapades. He enjoyed spending time with the younger family members, encouraging them to work hard and dream big. A proud and loving father to his girls, he beamed whenever he had the chance to brag about his beloved grandchildren. Ralph was the embodiment of the famous Maya Angelou adage; he will always be remembered for making everyone feel good whenever they were around him.

Ralph transitioned to the next life peacefully at home on Friday, August 9, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elijah and Roxie McKenzie; brothers, Clifton, Murray, Johnny, Jack (Jerry) and Jerome; cherished son, Brian Thomas and his adored wife, Helen. 

He leaves to treasure his memory, daughters Benita (Allen) Twillie, Brenda (Sunil) Singhal, and bonus daughter, Janice Carolyn (Robert) Johnson; grandchildren, Nicholas (Brittany) Twillie, Anya Twillie; bonus grandchildren, Kimberly (Chet) Shaw, Manasi Singhal and Siddharth “Sidd” Singhal; great-grandchildren, Rowan, Bellamy and Worth Briscoe-Twillie, and numerous beloved nieces, nephews and dear friends.

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