Larry L. McGinnis passed away at Four Winds on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. He was born March 11, 1936 to the late George and Melissa McGinnis.
He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife, Clara McGinnis of Jackson, Ohio with whom he celebrated their 65th Anniversary on Oct. 29th, 2020; his daughter, Lee Ann (David) Elliott of Indianapolis; his son, Darren McGinnis of Dayton, Ohio; and daughter, Janice Miller of Venice, Florida; grandchildren: Brent and Dillon McGinnis, Jade, Conor, and Rhys McGinnis, Sabrina and Montel Johnson, Travis Greene, Camryn Lee Miller, and Ethan and Caleb Miller; great-grandchildren: Laili, Kaylee Ann, Kai, Camron, Colin, Carter, and Lukas; three sisters: Georgeann (Cecil) Hawker, Imogene (Gerald) Miller, and Eileen (Jim) Booth; as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Darrell McGinnis; sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Jim Swingle; as well as baby sister, Janet.
Larry graduated from Jackson High School in 1954. After graduation, he went into the U.S. Air Force and shortly after he married his high school sweetheart, Clara. Larry and Clara lived at several bases and their first home was in Rome, New York. They went to Colorado, then on to the Philippine Islands, Klamath Falls, Oregon, followed by Southeast Asia through Vietnam to Korat, Ubon, and Udon, Thailand. He finally made Chief Master Sargent and was given a job at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. After seven years, he was transferred to Alexandria, Louisiana. He was in Louisiana for one year and then returned to Langley to retire. Larry’s career was over after 21 years of service in the Air Force. He and his family had a wonderful experience throughout. He had made Chief and earned numerous awards. He received two meritorious service medals as well as an Air Force Commendation Medal.
The family decided to go back to Ohio and Larry would attend Franklin University. He got a double Engineering degree and graduated in 1979. They lived in Gahanna, Ohio and in 1981 the family moved to Beavercreek, Ohio. Larry worked as Civil Service for 21 years then moved back to Jackson, Ohio in 2003. He was also a member of the Vega United Methodist Church.
The family would like to thank the Four Winds Community where Larry resided for 13 months.
A viewing will be held on Monday, Dec. 14, 2020 from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson with a funeral service immediately following at 11 a.m. with Pastor Josh West officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Vega Cemetery and a meal after. Please attend. Per CDC and governor guidelines, everyone is to wear a mask while indoors and practice proper social distancing. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.lewisgillum.com