John Frederick McGinnis

John Frederick McGinnis age 85, husband of Helen Bott McGinnis, passed away Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Self Regional Healthcare in Greenwood SC.

He was born in Zanesville, Ohio on April 3, 1940 and was a son of the late Samuel LeRoy McGinnis and Hildreth Wells McGinnis.

John graduated from Zanesville High School in 1958 and furthered his education attending Ohio University and later graduating from The Ohio State University with a degree in Ceramic Engineering. He worked with several ceramic companies during his engineering career and finished his professional career when he retired from Ceram Tec in Laurens. John gave of his time by volunteering with several local organizations, including the Pop Jubilee and Main Street Laurens. He loved sports, especially football and basketball and played intermural softball in college and on several recreational leagues. John enjoyed traveling abroad with his work as well as with friends. Although Laurens, SC was where he lived for many years, Ohio was always in his heart and he considered it to be home. Many will remember John as smart and for his dry wit but more importantly his kindness.

Surviving is his wife of 56 years, his brother, James McGinnis; his sister, Susan McGinnis both of Zanesville, OH; his nephews Scott Lowe, Michael McGinnis, Rick Fisher; his sisters-in-law, Gail McGinnis and Helen Schledewitz McGinnis.

John is preceded in death by his brothers, Don and Stephen McGinnis; his niece, Roxanne Fisher; his nephews, Shawn McGinnis and Rick Lutz and his sister-in-law, Patricia McGinnis.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Gray Funeral Home of Laurens. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Ohio.

The family is accepting flowers or memorials may be made to Saint Sylvester Central School, 119 Wayne St., Woodsfield, OH 43793.

Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.grayfuneralhome.com

Gray Funeral Home of Laurens is assisting the McGinnis family with arrangements.