Lt. Col. (Ret.) Harold S. "Hal" McGinnis

Harold S. McGinnis Jr., a proud combat veteran of the United States Marine Corps, passed away peacefully after suffering from complications of Huntington's Disease on June 30, 2025.

Harold (Hal) was born on July16, 1944 in Akron, OH. Hal grew up in Akron and Barberton, OH along with Sumatra, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. He attended The Ohio State University where he met Tanya Milanick. Hal and Tanya were married over 58 years and lived in Texas, North Carolina, Virginia, and Ohio.

At the age of 22, upon his OSU graduation, Hal was commissioned a Second Lieutenant with the Marine Corps in 1966. His service was primarily as an A-6E Intruder Pilot for 19 years and a Communication Officer for 16 years. He attained a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Star, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Meritorious Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Arms Forces Meritorious Unit Citation with Cross of Gallantry, and Strike Force Air Medal with 4th Award. Hal retired in 1987 as Lieutenant Colonel after serving 21 years. He continued to support the US Navy and Air Force Pilot Training programs as a Defense Contractor until 2011.

Hal loved flying and running--ran the Marine Corps Marathon twice and other various races. He really enjoyed soccer too--playing, coaching, watching, and instilling a favorite family pastime passed down to his grandchildren. His hobbies and interests were ancestry, music, movies, birds, plants, card games, golf, and OSU football. His family meant everything to him.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents Harold S McGinnis Sr. and Lindesay (Perry) McGinnis, and sister Jennifer Tifft. Harold is survived by his wife Tanya McGinnis, daughter Stephanie Thomas, son and daughter-in-law Jonathan and Ann McGinnis, grandchildren Timothy, Andrew, and Natalie McGinnis; brother and sister-in-law William and MaryJane McGinnis, and sister Jacqueline Melany. His loved ones will remember him as a kind and loving man with a good sense of humor.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, July 11, 2025 from 11:00am to Noon in the WESTBROCK FUNERAL HOME- KETTERING, 5980 Bigger Road. A Celebration of Hal's Life will begin at Noon.