Obituary

Merle Ross McGinniss, 93, of King George peacefully went to be with the Lord on Friday, September 16, 2016. Born on February 16, 1923, on the family farm at Index, he was the son of the late Irvin and Betty McGinniss, and dear brother to the late Grafton, Richard and Ralph McGinniss. He attended Shiloh School, King George High School, and Georgia Tech, where he studied engineering. Merle worked in the Industrial Technology Department at Bellwood in Richmond. Later, Merle worked at the Department of Defense for Naval Service Warfare Center at Dahlgren and Richmond. Merle served his country during World War II with the Fighting 36th Infantry Division (T-Patch) where he helped liberate France. He was highly decorated for his sacrifice and service to our country, receiving numerous Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star, and many more. He often spoke of his return tour of France with fellow veterans. While there he received an outpouring of love and gratitude from the French people, which was forever engraved in his heart. Later, Merle retired to his childhood home to open McGinniss Antique Barn. He enjoyed collecting, selling, and refinishing antiques. He shared his love for old things with his family, friends and customers. If you were lucky enough to have known Merle McGinniss, this gentle hero, then you would know that he was the real treasure at McGinniss Barn. Merle was a former member of Shiloh Baptist Church and a member of the First Baptist Church of Atlanta. He was a member of the King George Hudson Morris Lodge #80 and Colonial Beach Lodge #199. Merle was a member of The Scottish Rite of Free Masonry 32nd degrees, and the Acca Shriners of Richmond. He belonged to the King George County Farm Bureau, and was a lifetime member of the 36th Division Association, American Legion Post 89 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Post 8717. 

Merle McGinniss is survived by his loving nephews and nieces, Wayne McGinniss, Jack McGinniss, Dianne Sartin, Lynne Mitchell and Sandy Lay, Jim McGinniss, Katrina Minter, Kimberely Turner, Kevin McGinniss and Keith McGinniss. He is survived by many great-nephews and great-nieces. The legacy of his kind spirit, passion for his country, love of antiques and zest for life will live on through the lives of generations to come. 

A visitation will take place at Storke Funeral Home, Nash and Slaw Chapel in King George on Wednesday, September 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. Services will be held at the same location on Thursday, September 22 at 11 a.m. with interment following at Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery in King George. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children. Condolences may be left for the family at storkefuneralhome.com.

The Free Lance-Star, Fredericksburg, VA, 20 Sep 2016