A Day of Unity and Giving Back
At McKenzie Valve, we are more than just colleagues - we are a family. Each year, we come together for our annual employee-organized fishing tournament, a day of camaraderie and giving back. This year, the tournament took on a special significance as we cast our lines in support of cancer research and assistance.
The Tournament
Held on April 1, 2023, at Lake Halford in Huntingdon, TN, our team rallied together not just for the thrill of the catch, but to support our colleagues and loved ones who were battling cancer. The tournament was more than just a day of fishing; it was a day of unity, remembrance, and a day of making a difference.
The Collective Effort
Together, we raised $3,575. In the spirit of giving that defines our team, McKenzie Valve matched this sum, bringing our total donation to $7,150. The funds were donated to the Kirkland Cancer Center of West Tennessee and will go towards research and assistance for those battling cancer. To learn more about the organization and donate directly to their Foundation, please visit this link.
The winners of this year's tournament were Brandon Breaux and Matt Floyd, who proudly posed with their championship belts. But the real victory was the collective effort of our amazing team, who turned a day of fishing into a meaningful contribution to a cause close to our hearts.
Remembering Eddie Casey
After the tournament, we received the heartbreaking news that one of our own, Eddie Casey, had lost his battle with cancer. Eddie was more than a colleague, he was a beloved friend and inspiration to us all. His battle with cancer was marked by courage and determination, traits that left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Eddie, a machinist for McKenzie Valve and a member of Cottage Grove Baptist Church, was 60 years old. He is survived by his wife, Dana Brooks Casey, his parents, Ed and Ruth Casey, his four sons, a daughter, a sister, a brother, and nine grandchildren.
Graveside services for Eddie were held on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at El Bethel Cemetery in Gleason, TN. A number of his colleagues at McKenzie Valve had the honor of serving as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers, a testament to the deep respect and affection Eddie inspired in those who worked with him.
For those who wish to learn more about Eddie's life or to express their condolences, his obituary can be found here. The page also provides an opportunity to send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Eddie.
Carrying Eddie's Memory Forward
As we move forward, we carry Eddie's memory with us. His spirit lives on in the work we do, the values we uphold, and the difference we make in our community. We are proud to honor Eddie's legacy through our annual fishing tournament and will continue to support causes that were important to him.
Join Us in Making a Difference
We invite you to join us in honoring Eddie's memory by supporting cancer research and assistance. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against cancer and keep Eddie's spirit alive.
More Than Just a Company
At McKenzie Valve, we are more than just a company. We are a community, a family, and a team. And as we navigate the challenges and triumphs ahead, we do so with the memory of our dear friend and colleague, Eddie Casey, in our hearts.
We remain committed to supporting causes that touch our lives and look forward to continuing our tradition of giving back through our annual fishing tournament.
