Jeff McKinzie

Jeffery Lynn McKinzie, 59, of Bolivar, Texas, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a life full of passion, creativity, and deep love for his family.

Jeff was born on December 17, 1966, in Sherman, Texas, to Kerry and Fena McKinzie. On October 12, 1996, he married his soulmate Rhonda Hess, and together they built a life rooted in devotion, laughter, and shared adventures.

Jeff lived with a rare kind of intensity for the things he loved. He would do anything for anyone and was known for his hard work, generous spirit, and sense of humor that stayed with him until the very end. Over the years, he brought that same work ethic and dedication to his career, working for Peterbilt Motors, Spindletop Machine Shop, and AEP Industries.

An unbelievably passionate fisherman, his boat was his pride and joy, and there wasn’t much that could keep him away from the water. He tied his own fishing flies with incredible precision and had an almost unmatched knowledge of fish, birds, and butterflies across North America.

At home, Jeff was always creating. A talented woodworker, he built furniture with his own hands. An artist and photographer, he filled his home with pieces that captured the kind of beauty most people are too busy to notice. He found joy in the details—whether through a camera lens, in his certified backyard butterfly garden, or in the many projects he always had in motion. He also had the discipline and determination to run marathons, a reflection of the same drive he brought to everything in life.

Above all, Jeff loved his family fiercely. That love was constant, steady, and unmistakable.

He is survived by his wife, Rhonda McKinzie; his son, Joshua, and daughter-in-law, Becky Mabry; and his grandchildren, Lily and Lane. He is also survived by his stepmother, Laura McKinzie; his half-sisters, Katie Blevins (Justin) and Elise Greenfield (Jarrod); and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kerry and Fena McKinzie.

A Celebration of Life will be held at George J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home in Gainesville, Texas, on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Family and friends are invited to gather for a time of remembrance, including a reading and an opportunity to share stories, beginning at 1:00 p.m., with time to visit and connect afterward.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support Texas coastal fisheries: CLICK HERE.