Terry McGinnis, Treasured Lynchburg and Fayetteville, Ohio Community Leader and Owner of Terry’s Grocery and Pizza, Remembered for a Lifetime of Selfless Service, Everyday Kindness, and Deep Commitment to Neighbors
Lynchburg, OH – June 5, 2025 — The towns of Lynchburg and Fayetteville, Ohio, are united in sorrow following the passing of Terry McGinnis, a man whose presence was not just a fixture of local life—but a foundation. Best known as the owner and operator of Terry’s Grocery and Pizza, Terry was more than a small-town businessman. He was the heartbeat of two tight-knit communities, a daily example of quiet generosity, and a living reminder of the power one person has to change lives—not through grand gestures, but through consistent, everyday kindness.
Terry passed away recently at an age when many would still expect years of service and life ahead. His death has left an irreplaceable emptiness for family, friends, and generations of residents whose lives he touched in profound, often unspoken ways.
A Man Whose Life Was Intertwined with His Community
Terry McGinnis was not a man who sought attention. In fact, many who benefited from his kindness might never have known just how much he gave. Yet in Lynchburg and neighboring Fayetteville, nearly every resident can share a story about Terry—how he helped them, cheered them on, or showed up exactly when they needed someone.
For over three decades, Terry owned and operated Terry’s Grocery and Pizza, a modest store nestled on a quiet street in Lynchburg that served as far more than a local convenience shop. It was a place where people gathered, where friendships were forged, and where neighbors looked out for one another. But above all, it was a place shaped by Terry’s values: honesty, hard work, loyalty, and compassion.
“He always had time for you, even when he didn’t have time to spare,” recalled longtime customer and friend Angela Porter. “You’d go in for bread or a slice of pizza, and somehow you’d leave feeling lighter, like the world was just a little bit better.”
Whether he was behind the counter slicing fresh dough, stocking shelves late at night, or sweeping the front steps before opening, Terry made the store feel like an extension of home. He knew nearly every customer by name—and not just their name, but their stories. He knew who had just lost a job, who had a child graduating soon, who needed help with heating bills but was too proud to ask. And quietly, with no fanfare, he helped them all.
A Quiet Force for Good
Terry’s generosity was never performative. He didn’t post about it on social media. He didn’t hang awards on the wall. Yet his impact was immense. During the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when supply chains faltered and spirits ran low, Terry kept his store open, offering not just food, but hope. He delivered groceries to the elderly. He allowed families to take what they needed and pay later—or not at all. More than once, he dipped into his own pocket to help others stay afloat.
“He never made you feel like a charity case,” said Fayetteville teacher Danielle Harmon. “He had this way of lifting you up without making you feel like you’d fallen.”
Terry also supported dozens of local fundraisers and community events. He sponsored Little League teams, donated food for school events, and offered his store as a drop-off site for food drives and coat collections. For teenagers in town, Terry’s Grocery and Pizza was often their first job—and, for many, the first place they learned responsibility, teamwork, and the value of being counted on.
More Than a Merchant
Though he spent most of his working hours at the store, Terry’s influence reached far beyond its walls. He was a lifelong member of the Lynchburg United Methodist Church, where he served as a volunteer, usher, and occasional handyman. He was known to help shovel snow from neighbors’ driveways before they even woke up, mow lawns for the elderly, and visit those in the hospital—even those he barely knew.
Terry was the embodiment of what it means to be a “good neighbor,” a phrase often said but rarely lived to the extent he did. His legacy is built not on grand ambition, but on everyday action: the handwritten note of encouragement, the extra meal dropped off without explanation, the quiet presence during someone else’s hard time.
“He didn’t try to change the world,” said close friend and former pastor Reverend James Keller. “He just made his corner of it better every single day.”
Devoted Husband, Loving Father, Proud Grandfather
Behind his dedication to the community was a man equally committed to his family. Terry was married for over four decades to his wife, Margaret McGinnis, who stood by his side through every chapter of their life together. Their love story, built on shared values and mutual respect, was one of quiet strength and unwavering support.
Together, they raised three children—Brian, Rachel, and Kevin McGinnis—instilling in them the same integrity, humility, and sense of duty that defined their father’s life. Terry often said that his greatest pride was not his business or his service, but his children and grandchildren.
He was a hands-on father who made time for games of catch in the backyard, school recitals, and family dinners—even on the busiest days. As a grandfather, he was known for his stories, his gentle wisdom, and his famous Saturday morning pancakes. His grandchildren called him “Papa Terry”—and they adored him.
A Legacy That Will Not Fade
The news of Terry’s passing spread quickly across Highland County, sparking an extraordinary outpouring of grief, remembrance, and gratitude. Hundreds of community members have shared stories—some funny, some tearful, all deeply personal.
Outside Terry’s Grocery and Pizza, a memorial of flowers, photos, and handwritten notes has grown daily. One card reads: “Thank you for teaching me what kindness looks like.” Another: “You were there when I didn’t know who to turn to. I never forgot.”
Local leaders have announced plans to honor Terry’s legacy. The Lynchburg City Council is proposing a “Terry McGinnis Community Kindness Day”, encouraging residents to commit small acts of service in his name each year. Plans are also in motion to dedicate a community garden near the local library as a space for reflection, named “Terry’s Corner.”
The family has established the Terry McGinnis Legacy Fund, which will provide micro-grants to small businesses and individuals in need—especially those committed to serving others, just as Terry always did.
A Final Farewell
Terry’s life will be celebrated in a public memorial service at Lynchburg United Methodist Church on Saturday, June 8, at 2:00 PM, followed by a community gathering in the church fellowship hall. All who knew him are welcome to attend, share stories, and honor the man who gave so much of himself so that others could flourish.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret; his children, Brian, Rachel, and Kevin McGinnis; seven grandchildren; and countless friends, neighbors, and community members who will carry his legacy forward.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Terry McGinnis Legacy Fund or to Highland County Community Action, an organization Terry supported throughout his life.
A Quiet Giant
In a world that often rewards self-promotion and flash, Terry McGinnis stood as a gentle giant—steady, humble, and wholly dedicated to others. He didn’t need headlines or applause. His reward was the trust of his neighbors, the laughter of children eating pizza in his store, and the quiet knowledge that he had made a difference.
Though he is no longer with us in body, his spirit lives on—in every shared meal, every open door, every small act of care done in his memory.
Terry McGinnis changed lives, not with speeches, but with service. Not with power, but with presence. Not with promises, but with unwavering follow-through.
May we all strive to be a little more like Terry.
Rest in peace, dear friend. Your light will never dim in the hearts of those you’ve touched.
