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Celebrating the life of
John Francis McGinty
November 19, 1930 - December 01, 2024
John Francis McGinty passed away on December 1, 2024, with his wife by his side in their home in Savannah, Georgia. He was 94 years old and a devoted husband, father and friend.
John was born on November 19, 1930 to parents Ottie O. and Gladys S. McGinty in Frisco City, Alabama and was the third born of their three children.
After a year at THE University of Alabama, John transferred to Troy State College and graduated with a degree in education in 1952. After college he answered the call to serve in the US Army and was stationed at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina.
A notable fact about young John is that he could type fast, with few errors, and was an excellent communicator; a fact that didn’t escape the notice of his Staff Sergeant. When his unit received orders to deploy to Korea, John was told he would, instead, stay behind and manage office communication and administration. Ultimately it saved his life as his unit was destroyed by enemy fire and no one survived.
After his service in the army, he moved to Savannah and accepted a teaching position at Groves High School where he met a young physical education teacher named Barbara. She challenged him to a tennis match and they married a year later. A love match that lasted 66 years.
Over the course of John’s career, he taught and coached in several schools in the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System: Groves, Richard Arnold, Chatham and Wilder Junior High. Additionally, he is fondly remembered as “Coach” by the “men of ol’ BC” and by the students, faculty and staff at Savannah Christian Preparatory School where he served as headmaster until he retired.
Although teaching and coaching put food on the table, his true passion and joy was his relationship with the Lord. He was a lifelong member of Bull Street Baptist Church where he worshipped and taught Sunday School for decades. He enjoyed Promise Keepers and CBMC (Christian Business Men’s Connection) and a decades-long affiliation with Kiwanis Club of Savannah where he served as president for many terms.
In addition to his love for the Lord, John McGinty loved his wife and family. And in his family, he was known best for his kindness, patience and quick wit with his five children. He enthusiastically supported their various activities. In parenting, John was known as “grace” and Bart was known as “law.”
His grandchildren and great-grandchildren will always remember his gentleness, ready smile and wonderful storytelling.
John was preceded in death by his son, John Gary McGinty; his parents, his brother, Jim; and his great-grandson, Carter James Boyett. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter Ann McGinty Riddell (Dan); son, Greg McGinty (Leslie); daughter, Jan McGinty Boyett (Kelvin) and daughter Lyn “Pooh” McGinty Fletcher (Keith); they have 19 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. John is also suvived by his sister, Louise, three nieces and 2 nephews.
The McGinty family is grateful to Hospice Savannah nurses and staff for their diligence and attention to detail as they cared for him.
A memorial service will be held at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel on Saturday, December 7, at 11:00 am.
A candle has been lit!
I will miss you grandaddy.Thank you for always treating me like family.
- Nanci Montesinos, Savannah, GA
So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. McGinty. He was such a kind and caring person.
- Ellen Kilpatrick, Savannah, Ga
Jan and family, I am praying for you and your family. So sorry to hear of the passing of your Daddy.
- Moonyeen Blanton, Savannah, GA
I, first met “Coach” McGinty, while attending Wilder Junior High School. Then, I met Mrs. McGinty, when attending Jenkins High School. The rest is history. I became very close with Mrs. McGinty and even, babysat her children. I remember Coach McGinty as being calm, loving, and extremely intelligent. I kept in touch with both of them, throughout the years. He adored his family, especially “Bart”, which he referred to his beautiful wife. The community has lost a very unique man, whose contributions are too many to mention. I will always remember him as my dear father like friend whose remarkable life will be forever cherished.
- Fannie Sexton, Savannah , Georgia f
The passing of a legend! Mr. McGinty was one of the most inspiring people in my life. He taught me fairness as well as discipline. My prayers are with you all during this time. What a full and wonderful life he lived and I know without a doubt he is with our Lord and was greeted with “Good job my faithful servant” as he entered the realm of Heaven. Please dwell on the fond memories of great times and know there were many!
- Robyn Quattlebaum , Savannah, Georgia
Praying for your family as you experience the grief that comes with the passing of your father and loved one. May God be with you as you struggle to find peace at this time of sadness.
- Myra Brown Sykes, Savannah, Georgia
I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. McGinty's passing. I'm honored to have known him. I will always remember him as a kind and caring man, devoted to church, family and all of his students. I am praying for peace and comfort Mrs. McGinty and all of his children.
- Pam Chance, Pooler, Ga
John will always be remembered and loved by all as a "true friend." Love Kay Viar (Miss Kay)
- Kay Viar, Rincon, GA
He was my first football coach at Wilder Junior High School. He was the one that gave me the nickname Baze. All of my friends from that time on called me Baze. I was fortunate to receive a football scholarship at the Citadel and I truly believe he played a big part in that opportunity. I was grateful for what he did for me and never forgot him.
- Mike Bazemore, Pooler, GA
He was my first football coach at Wilder Junior High School. He was the one that gave me the nickname Baze. All of my friends from that time on called me Baze. I was fortunate to receive a football scholarship at the Citadel and I truly believe he played a big part in that opportunity. I was grateful for what he did for me and never forgot him.
- Mike Bazemore, Pooler, GA
I knew John as “Coach” at Richard Arnold Junior High School some 66 years ago. He was a man easily respected and admired by the way he conducted himself and treated his students/players. My prayers are with his family.
- George Salter, Centerville, GA
My deepest condolences to the entire family. Many of my childhood memories included granddaddy and his lovely home and shared church pew. I will always be grateful for those times and the relationships I have with his family. Praying for you all and sending all my love.
- Jennifer DeLoach Claxton, Savannah, GA
John was a fine man. I knew him from CBMC, and his faith was a blessing to us all. My wife Beverly and I wish to convey our deepest sympathy and condolences to the entire family. He is in a place of Glory indeed.
- Dale Yawn, Savannah, GA
John was a dear friend and brother in Christ. I will miss him. Bob
- Bob Maclaurin, Savannah, Georgia
Thank you for sharing Mr.McGinty with Savannah. He changed so many lives! He hired me for my very first job at Savannah Christian. He mentored me and encouraged me with patience and grace! Thank you Mr. McGinty. Rest in the peace of the Lord.
- Mary Ann Dudley , Savannah, Ga
Very sorry for your loss. Coach McGinty was a good person and will be missed
- Harry Center, Savannah, Ga
Mr McGinty was another one of the Good Ones from our good old days at Savannah Christian. I know your wonderful family will miss you terribly but have so many fond memories of you all together. Rest in peace Mr McGinty.
- Lynne Williams, SAVANNAH, GA
You will be missed Uncle John. You were the kindest, most loving, and you made sure we all knew it. My heart is broken to say goodbye, so instead, I will say, we will see eachother again in Heaven. I love you and my thoughts and prayers are with everyone. ❤️
- Cindy Moss (Witherington), Rogersville , TN
Rest in peace my friend. you were more than just our basketball coach 66 years ago. you taught us how to be young men that believed in ourselves to succeed in life and that winning was a team effort. we. are all better for having John in our lives.
- Brooks & Jackie Stephens, Floral City, Florida
To The McGinty Family, I met Mr. John through his wife Mrs. McGinty. She was my AP at Bartlett Middle School many moons ago and was one of my Hearing Officer. She loved him and he loved her. He made me and my co-worker a trash can and tools that I sill have and will forever cherish. You don't find many men like him anymore. Granny Bart I love you and now you have a jewel of an Angel.
- Deidre' Johnson Ward, Savannah, Ga
Greg and Leslie and family our deepest heart felt sympathy to you and your family , your family is the most beautiful family I know. May Jesus wrap his loving arms around all of you and comfort you during this time.
- Jeff Heather Henderson , Savannah , Ga
Rest In Peace Coach, God Bless
- Roy Banks BC'64 , Flowery Branch, GA
Mr. McGinty was one of the finest, kindest teachers that I had at BC. He was a great inspiration.
- Ben Goggins, Tybee Island , GA
Some of my best memories include good times with your family. Mr McGinty was such a wonderful, Godly man - an example for all of us. I’ll be praying for all of you in the coming days. Love you all- Laurie Slaughter(Tootie)
- Laurie Slaughter, Richmond Hill, GA
Sorry to hear about Coach. My coach at Groves class of 1959. I learned a lot about the sport and he encouraged me to play for Armstrong Junior College. I enjoyed seeing him and talking about the memories
- Bernard Womble, Garden City , Ga
Sad to hear of John’s passing but so grateful for his long & productive life. I knew him during our years together in the Savannah Kiwanis club. What a friendly, respected & trusted soul. We still have some of his handiwork from his carpentry shop. My family growing up knew Barbara during her lifeguarding years at the Bacon Park neighborhood pool & admired Greg’s framing business over the years before we left Savannah (we even sent our daughter to him for framing recently. McGinty’s, we know you’re heartbroken at the loss of this good man. Sympathies from John & Toni Kraft
- John Kraft, Acworth, Georgia
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. McGinty's passing. He was a great man, coach, headmaster and next door neighbor for many years. I loved to watch him woodworking and see all of the fabulous things that he made. My prayers to all of the McGinty family. May God comfort you and give you his peace.
- Kimberly Shirah Fowler, Savannah, Ga
So sorry to hear about Coach McGinty passing. I first met him at Wilder Jr. High as he was my PE Coach. Later in life we connected again at Bull Street Baptist Church. He was always patient and had a great smile. I'll miss him.
- Joe Becton , Savannah , Georgia
John and I spent many days and nights together transporting our basketball teams (St Vincent’s girls and BC boys to their games. He was one of the finest men I’ve ever known. Win or lose , he was always kind and considerate. He would always tell the boys and girls your effort today made your schools, your coaches, your families and the Lord proud, and yes, we do have practice tomorrow. I’ll be 103 next month, so maybe it won’t be too long before we can get together and talk about the “good ole days.” My prayers are with the family. - Herbie
- Herbie Griffin, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Memorial Service
- 11:00 a.m. on Sat, December 07, 2024
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
-
7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive (map)
Savannah GA 31406 - 912-352-7200