Terry McGinnis, a beloved figure in Lynchburg, Ohio, passed away at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and continuous dedication to his family and community.
Terry, born in Cincinnati, was a symbol of strength and generosity; though he’s gone, his legacy will continue to inspire many.
He grew up in Cincinnati’s Price Hill neighborhood, where his love for baseball blossomed.
As a standout player at Elder High School, he caught the attention of the Chicago Cubs, who actively recruited him.
But with his parents’ encouragement, Terry chose education over a professional baseball career, earning a full scholarship to play at Marshall University in West Virginia.
Coming from a family of four children, this opportunity was a dream come true.
Tragedy struck when Terry discovered he was missing a biology credit required for admission. The university revoked his scholarship, crushing his aspirations.
He enrolled at the University of Cincinnati, where he pursued a degree in special education and volunteered at Longview State Hospital, a mental institution in Cincinnati, showing early signs of his commitment to helping others.
While Studying, Terry’s Life Took A Beautiful Turn
A visit to neighbors in St. Martin, Brown County, led to a fateful introduction.
A local woman insisted Terry meet her daughter, Jane, an 18-year-old recent graduate of Ursuline Academy.
The next morning, Terry met Jane, and their connection was instant.
At just 21, Terry left school to move to the countryside to be near her.
In October 1975, Terry and Jane married at Terry’s church, St. Martin’s in Cincinnati.
Their love grew over the course of three years of dating, culminating in their marriage on October 25, 1975.
Terry and Jane built a life together in Dodsonville, Ohio, raising five children, Bridgette, TJ, Jessica, Nicole, and Deirdre, and welcoming 16 grandchildren.
Their collaboration was the heart of their family and their community, driven by love and shared values.
In 1978, Terry and Jane founded American Owned By Terry & Jane McGinnis and Family, a business that became a cornerstone of Dodsonville.
More than a gas station or convenience store, it was a gathering place where memories were made.
From renting movies to offering first jobs to local teens, the store was a hub of community life.
As one local, Mullet Review, shared,
“I personally never met terry but I did visit the gas station
Via Facebook
And when I did many people would tell me about them being a part of their baseball games people growing up in the area renting movies from them and everyones first job here. Thank you for all the memories you gave us and the memories you helped us create with our loved ones
Ohio needs more people who want to change the things around them for the better just like he did.”
Terry’s dedication to youth spread far beyond his business.
He sponsored countless Pee Wee basketball, Little League baseball, and SAY soccer teams, ensuring kids in the Lynchburg-Clay School District had opportunities to grow and thrive.
His generosity gave young athletes a chance to shine, both on and off the field.
In 1999, Terry’s vision for giving back took shape with the creation of Hoagie Day.
On the third Thursday of every month, he donated all proceeds from hoagie sales to the Lynchburg-Clay Athletic Boosters.
The initiative raised $93,000 for equipment and scholarships, with Terry contributing over $150,000 to the athletic program over the course of 33 years.
Terry’s store became a place where people felt at home, whether they were locals or newcomers.
Erin Hale, a teacher at Lynchburg-Clay, recalled,
“As an “outsider” coming to Lynchburg, Terry and his family have always made this place feel like home. Terry McGinnis was such an amazing man. He loved his community, but more importantly his family. He will be missed, but I have no doubt his memory will live on. Please keep the McGinnis family in your prayers. ❤️”
Via Facebook
Terry McGinnis Avoided The Spotlight But Was Always Ready To Help Others
As Eli Osborn wrote,
His life was a model of kindness, always smiling, treating everyone like a friend, and championing the underdog.
The news of Terry’s passing has left Lynchburg heartbroken.
Tributes have poured in, each one evidence of his extraordinary character.
Terry McGinnis’ life was a gift to everyone who knew him. From his early days as a promising baseball player to his decades of service to Lynchburg, he lived with purpose and heart.
His love for Jane, his devotion to his family, and his tireless support for his community will never be forgotten.
As the McGinnis family faces this huge loss, the community stands with them, honoring a man whose legacy will inspire future generations.
Rest In Peace, Terry McGinnis
