Charles McGinnis

William Charles McGinnis, 82, of Kinards, died Tuesday, January 10, 2012, at Hospice of Laurens County.

Born on July 24, 1929, in Gastonia, NC, he was the son of the late Homer Ernest and Mason Smith McGinnis. He was an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict from which he received the Bronze Star. He was a graduate of North Carolina State University. Mr. McGinnis was a dairyman who was a member and past president of the American Jersey Cattle Club and the DHIA. During his career he was privileged to be the recipient of numerous awards given through his chosen profession some of which included the 1986 World Dairy Expo Man of the Year, the 1988 Distinguished Service Award for American Dairy Science Association and the 1998 Dairy Award. He was a renowned Dairy Judge who judged cattle shows throughout the country. Mr. McGinnis was a member of Aveleigh Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Frances Smith McGinnis; a sister, Martha Jo (Ted) Wright of Las Vegas, NV; a brother-in-law, Lemuel H. (Ruby) Smith of Atlanta, GA and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, January 13, 2012, at Aveleigh Presbyterian Church by the Rev. Dr. Mitchell VanMetre. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:00 – 7:00 pm, at McSwain-Evans Funeral Home and immediately following the service on Friday in Truesdale Hall at the church. Memorials may be made to Aveleigh Presbyterian Church, 1211 Calhoun Street, Newberry, SC 21908 or to the charity of one's choice.

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