Justin Christopher Ginnell

A devoted son, brother, family member and friend, Justin was born in Elgin, Illinois on 1/28/1995 and moved to South Florida in 1999 at the age of four years old. Both as a child and as a young adult, he loved everything Star Wars and particularly enjoyed visits to Disney World and Universal Studios. He was so excited for the opening of the Star Wars Galaxy Edge at Disney World and planned to attend on opening day in August.

From a very young age, Justin dreamed of serving his country in the United States Military. In high school, he became a distinguished member of the JROTC program at Western H.S. where he held the rank of Cadet 1st Lieutenant (C/1LT). While still a senior, he enlisted in the Air Force and began basic military training in Lackland, Texas in November 2014 and graduated in January 2015. He then attended technical training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri through May 2015. Most recently, Justin served at the Air Force Special Operations Command as a member of the 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron and the Hurlburt Field Honor Guard. Justin embraced each role with tremendous pride and was determined to execute at the highest level with meticulous attention to detail in pursuit of both integrity and excellence.

Justin was a member of the American Legion for several years and also recently joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was extremely knowledgeable about world history and current news and issues, both in the US and abroad. With his interest in foreign affairs and his passion to affect global change, his mother said he missed his calling as a foreign policy advisor.

Outside of his military pursuits, Justin found great joy in community involvement. He served as part of the Royal Chessman Stage Combat Troupe since 2005 and performed at various Pirate and Medieval Fairs in Florida including Camelot Days where he was well known as the King's Personal Guard. He enjoyed fellowship at Destiny Worship Center and was recently baptized just this last April 28th.

He is survived by his mother Joan Ginnell, brother John Pacetti Ginnell, grandmother Charlotte Ginnell, grandmother Marla Blackmon-Witscher, grandfather Gaylord Brown, aunt Rachel Meyer, and cousins Macy Meyer, Jessie Blackmon, and Sean Blackmon and many other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his beloved Aunt Verna Merriau and his favorite Uncle Howard

SrA Justin Ginnell will be returned to South Florida at Fort Lauderdale Airport on Delta Airlines Flight DL2393 scheduled to arrive on Wednesday May 29, 2019 at 3:59 pm. There will be a military procession from the Fort Lauderdale airport to Fred Hunter's Hollywood location at 6301 Taft St, Hollywood, FL 33024. All are welcome to join or view the procession. The family will have a visitation at Fred Hunter's University Drivel Home, 2401 S University Dr, Davie, FL 33324 on May 31, 2019 between 5:00 and 6:00 pm with services beginning at 6:00 pm, reception to follow. A funeral service will be conducted at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial services will be held at Hurlburt Field in June 2019, date and time to be announced. For more information, please contact Fred Hunter Funeral Home at (954) 989-1550.

In Lieu of flowers, in the spirit of Justin's generous heart, please do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for a friend, family member, or even a stranger in honor of his memory. In this way, his legacy of kindness and compassion will continue. Also, when you look up at the night sky, make a wish upon a star and remember Justin.