William R. McGinnis

William R. McGinnis, 82, departed this life on November 23, 2017. He was the son of the late Robert and Hilda McGinnis. He was preceded in death by two sisters – Rita McGinnis and Kathryn Spooneybarger, four brothers – Robert, Thomas, Donald and Henry McGinnis, and a daughter-in-law, Debra.

Bill graduated from Latrobe High School in 1954. At that time he received the Ray V. Wild Trophy for Outstanding Athletic Student. He was active in football, basketball, and track. He held the high school record for the shot-put for many years and also threw the discus. He received a scholarship to play football at West Virginia University.

Bill had an accomplished and internationally recognized sales career centered in the mining and drilling industries and traveled the world. He worked for companies that included McGinnis Brothers, Biondi, Kennametal, Carmet, American Mine Tool, and retired from Quikrete in 1999.

A passionate and proficient outdoorsman, Bill enjoyed his days afield with friends and family. He was an avid hunter and especially loved deer hunting and spending time in the woods with his sons. Giving of his time and managerial talent, Bill was a Past President of the National Fenton Glass Society, and volunteered for other organizations.

Bill was a member of Bedford Lodge No. 320, and a Dual Member of Robert Burns Lodge No. 464, F. & A.M. in Harrisburg, where his son, Michael, is a Past Master. He was also a former member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Altoona, and Shriners International.

Surviving are Martha Steele McGinnis, his loving wife of sixty-two years, son Robert J. McGinnis and daughter Mary M. Henderson (Billy) both of Bedford, son Michael P. McGinnis (Pamela) of New Bloomfield, and son William J. McGinnis (Benjamin Elson) of Banner Elk, North Carolina, four granddaughters, two great granddaughters, three great grandsons, and his loving companion dachshund, Buddy.

A celebration of his life will be held on April 28, 2018 at the United Presbyterian Church on Spring Street in Latrobe, Pa. This will include a Masonic Service as well as a Memorial Service. A luncheon will be held afterwards. Details will be published at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either the United Presbyterian Church, 340 Spring Street, Latrobe, PA 15650, or Action for Animals, 386 Route 217, Latrobe, PA 15650.