Terry McGinnis Lynchburg Ohio Obituary and Death – On June 5, 2025, the Lynchburg, Ohio community lost a beloved figure with the passing of Terry McGinnis, at the age of 70. As the owner of Terry’s Grocery & Pizza, McGinnis was not only a successful businessman but also a friend, mentor, and philanthropist whose impact on the community extended far beyond his work.
Born in 1955, Terry McGinnis had a promising early life marked by sports and academics. He attended Elder High School where he excelled as a baseball player, earning a scholarship to Marshall University. However, his dreams of playing at the collegiate level were dashed when a missing biology credit led to the revocation of the scholarship. Not one to be easily defeated, McGinnis enrolled at the University of Cincinnati, where he studied special education. It was here that he began volunteering at Longview State Hospital, working with children with special needs. This experience left a lasting impression on McGinnis, sparking a lifelong commitment to supporting individuals with special needs.
In 1978, McGinnis and his wife, Jane, took a bold step into entrepreneurship, purchasing a small gas station and deli located on US 50 in Lynchburg. What began as a modest venture soon blossomed into a beloved local institution—Terry’s Grocery & Pizza. Known for its hearty hoagies, wood-fired pizzas, and iconic “crazy shakes,” the business became a gathering spot for locals. The McGinnis family created a welcoming atmosphere where friends and neighbors could connect, and Terry’s unwavering dedication to quality food and service made the establishment a Lynchburg landmark.
Beyond the success of his business, McGinnis was passionate about giving back to his community. He founded the monthly Hoagie Day fundraiser, an initiative that supported the Lynchburg-Clay Athletic Boosters. The fundraiser was a massive success, raising over $150,000 over the years, which funded scholarships and athletic programs for local students. Terry’s dedication to these causes was matched only by his commitment to hiring individuals with special needs, offering them a sense of purpose and community in the workplace.
At the heart of McGinnis’s life was his family. He and Jane raised five children—Bridget, Terry Jr. (TJ), Jessica, Nicole, and Deirdre—who were deeply involved in the family business. Several of their grandchildren also worked at the store, ensuring that Terry’s legacy would continue for generations. This sense of familial unity, along with his desire to give back to the community, defined Terry’s approach to life and business.
The impact McGinnis had on the Lynchburg community is immeasurable. His generosity, compassion, and dedication to service set him apart as more than just a local businessman. He was a man who understood the power of community and spent his life fostering connections, helping others, and making a difference in the lives of those around him.
As the community mourns the loss of Terry McGinnis, they also celebrate his life and the many ways he touched others. A public memorial service will be held at Terry’s Grocery & Pizza on June 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Terry McGinnis Memorial Scholarship Fund, which will continue McGinnis’s legacy by supporting local students pursuing higher education.
Terry McGinnis’s passing marks the end of an era in Lynchburg, but his legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the families he supported, and the community he helped build. His life serves as a testament to the power of kindness, hard work, and a commitment to making the world a better place. Terry will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
