Richard Williams McGinnis passed away peacefully on June 6. He was born to Hiram and Marie McGinnis on Oct.2 1930 in Atlanta, GA. At a young age the family moved to Jacksonville, FL where Richard attended Andrew Jackson HS and met the love of his life Shirley Long. After HS Richard joined the Air Force to serve in the Korean Conflict. He served in the communications area at Itazuke air base in Japan. On a leave trip to the USA for an Airforce volleyball tournament Richard and Shirley married and started an over 70 year marriage! Post war Richard used the GI bill to attend The University of Florida where he majored in Communication and Advertising. He was a HUGE Gator fan and during his college years he attended every football practice to file a report with the AP news service. Post graduation Richard started his career with General Outdoor Advertising. While there the Atlanta operation was acquired by Turner Advertising starting a long relationship with a young man named Ted Turner. He was active in several United Methodist churches and helped establish the first summer Dekalb/Atlanta swim league. He was a big supporter of The Boy Scouts of America and proud to have several Eagle scouts in the family. The family moved from Belvedere to Avondale Estates and Richard became the de facto leader of a group of families who enjoyed many fun pool parties, camping trips and even a cruise where everyone had matching Braves hats. The love of camping and hiking led to a group of 5 men taking an annual trip to some part of the Appalachian Trail. They group dubbed themselves The Smokey Mountain Marching and Drinking Society. The stories were always very entertaining. His professional career included President of the Outdoor Advertising Assoc. of America,,and helping with the startup of Channel 17. In retirement they moved to Johns Creek to be closer to children and his beloved Atlanta Athletic Club. At the urging of a close friend he became a board member at Young Harris college in Young Harris GA just minutes from his cabin in Blairsville. He immersed himself in all things going on at the college and took a particular interest in the Fine Arts Department. It was his pleasure to help with the restoration of Glenn/McGinnis Hall. Richard was quite a character, he loved people and those who knew him always smiled at the mention of his name. He is preceded in death by his wife Shirley. He is survived by his 3 children Doug (Teri) McGinnis, Cindy (John) Kirksey, Brad ( Teshia) McGinnis and grandchildren Erin, Kelly, Will, Allison, Richard, Molly, Quinn and Lydia as well as 12 great grandchildren. The family will hold a private ceremony to remember and honor Richard.
