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He was known as a kind and loving man who never met a stranger.

Brian N. Kokenzie, lovingly known as Bobby, passed away peacefully at his home in Columbus, Georgia, on October 12, 2026. He was born on March 1, 1953, in Hopewell, Virginia. The family will receive friends for visitation 5:00-7:00 PM Thursday, November 12, 2026 at McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907

Brian lived a life centered on hard work, love for family, and enjoyment of the simple things that brought him happiness. He graduated from Kendrick High School with the class of 1971 and later received his HVAC certificate from Columbus Technical College. Over the years, he worked at Brennan Rd BBQ, Holt Service Company as an HVAC technician, Days Inn as a maintenance technician, Chastain Properties as an HVAC and maintenance technician, and with the Muscogee County School District as an HVAC technician, retiring in 2016.

He was known as a kind and loving man who never met a stranger. Brian found joy in fishing, deep sea fishing, gardening, scouting, camping, cooking, traveling, and being outdoors. He loved animals, especially Goose and Bella, and had a special fondness for turtles. More than anything, he loved spending time with his family and friends. Brian was also an avid Braves fan.

Among the accomplishments that meant the most to Brian were becoming a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a great-grandfather. These roles were at the heart of his life, and they brought him lasting pride and happiness.

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Brian found joy in fishing, deep sea fishing, gardening, scouting, camping, cooking, traveling, and being outdoors.

Brian is survived by his wife, Sally Kokenzie, with whom he shared 48 years of marriage. He also leaves behind his daughter, Brittany Kokenzie; his grandson, Zack Kokenzie (Kaylee); his granddaughter, Brynley Acker; and his great-grandchildren, Lilah Kokenzie and Bodhi Kokenzie, sisters and brothers in law Becky and Tommy Ballard, Cathy and Richard Profitt, Diane Propst, and Walter and Shirley Colwell and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by dear friends who held a special place in his life, including Lemuel and TeeCee  Miller, Russell and Dawn Cail, Matt Strock, Woody O’Connell, and Armando Fernandez.

He was preceded in death by his father, Nicholas Kokenzie; his mother, Lillian Kokenzie; his brother, Mike Kokenzie and his granddaughter Lilly Acker.

Brian will be remembered for his warm heart, his steady presence, and the way he welcomed others so easily into his life. There will never be another man like Brian. His memory will live on in the family and friends he loved so deeply.