Gordon Willard McGinley

Gordon Willard McGinley of The Woodlands, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on October 14, 1934, in Alhambra, California, to Gordon White McGinley and Rebecca Ann McGinley.

He graduated from Los Angeles City College and began his career as a high school teacher of history and Spanish. During those years, he also pursued his passion for music as a professional jazz pianist. After seven years in education, he was recruited by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in recognition of his Spanish

language skills. His work with the FBI took him to assignments in San Antonio, Texas; Miami, Florida; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and to the United States Embassy in Mexico City. At the time of his retirement, he supervised the Bureau’s language training program at FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Following his government service, Gordon served as vice president of Corporate Risk International. In his later professional years, he was self-employed, providing investigative services to several federal agencies.

Gordon was a longtime member of Trinity Episcopal Church, The Rotary Club, and the Society of Former Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

He continued playing music throughout his life. He was especially proud of having completed more than 50 cruises around the world and of visiting over 100 countries.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 74 years, Ethelyn McGinley; his son Mark McGinley and wife Deborah of Lake Oswego, Oregon; his son Christopher McGinley and wife Raelene of The Woodlands, Texas; and his daughter Teri Rossi and husband John of The Woodlands, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren—Miles McGinley, Aaron McGinley, Garrett McGinley, Ryan McGinley, Taylor McGinley, Heather Simmons, Becky Rossi, and Lauren Rossi—

and by his great-grandchildren, Annie McGinley, Emmett McGinley, Sawyer Simmons, Cooper Simmons, Samantha Lee, Asher Matula, Charlotte Matula, and Evan Horning.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 15, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Forest Park Funeral Home in The Woodlands, Texas. Funeral services will take place on Monday, February 16, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in The Woodlands.

A catered visitation will occur at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home on Sunday February 15, 2026 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Magnolia Room.

A funeral service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 3901 S. Panther Creek Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77381, on Monday February 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM. A reception will immediately follow the service.