John Dee McGinniss Ph.D.

John Dee McGinniss, Ph.D., age 95, passed away July 15, 2021 in Madison, Florida in the presence of loved ones. He was born on February 13, 1926, in North Walpole, New Hampshire, to Edward Carney McGinniss and Helen Agnes Dee McGinniss.

During WWII, John enlisted with the USNR at age 18. He served as a Fire Controlman Third Class on the aircraft carrier USS Antietam.

John was a teacher and a talented painter. He studied painting at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, received a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Anselm’s College, a Master of Arts from Boston University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities from Florida State University.

John taught Art at Saint Anselm’s College 1960-1963, he also taught at FSU from 1964-1966. He was a professor of Humanities at Tallahassee Community College from 1967 to 1990.

John married Carolyn Mary Pelton of Langdon, NH on March 31, 1951. This year they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

In addition to his wife Carolyn, John is survived by his children Kathleen Streetman (David Hood), Paul McGinniss (Elizabeth), Peter McGinniss, Timothy McGinniss (Kathy Greathouse), and Mary Hull (Richard), nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

John enjoyed the outdoors and plant propagation. He taught us to hunt, fish and enjoy nature. Dad had a clever and timely sense of humor. We remember him as a good man: honest, decent, kind, dignified and proud; and as a family man: gentle, protective, caring and loving. His high moral character influenced all our lives. We mourn the loss of this loved and special person.

John Dee McGinniss will be interred at the Tallahassee National Cemetery with full military honors on Friday, July 23, 2021 at 10 am.