Obituary: Clifton ‘Ray’ McGinnis

Clifton “Ray” McGinnis, age 84, of Knoxville and formerly of Oak Ridge, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013, at Parkwest Medical Center.

He was born July 22, 1929, in Thorn Hill, Tenn., the son of Sally Kate Coffey and Lloyd McGinnis.

Mr. McGinnis retired after 35-plus years from the Y-12 plant, where he was a standards lab manager. He was a longtime member of Central Baptist Church and met regularly with his friends at the Wednesday morning breakfast. He enjoyed woodworking and refinishing antique furniture and playing golf. He enjoyed helping others and always extended a helping hand when the need was there.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by first wife, Martha Belle Honeycutt McGinnis, on Aug. 24, 1996; daughter, Janice Connelly; brother, Roger McGinnis; sister, Arial Minor; niece, Nancy Southern; and step-granddaughter, Micah Keathley.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Sylvia McGinnis, with whom he would have celebrated a 15th wedding anniversary on April 3. He is also survived by son, James (Laura) McGinnis of Pueblo, Colo.; stepson, Darrell (Angela) Keathley of Knoxville; grandchildren, Amy (Frank Howard) McGinnis of Denver, Colo., and their children, Makena and Ellia, Colleen McGinnis of Birmingham, Ala., Alex McGinnis, serving with the U.S. Marine Corps in Japan, Stephen Connelly and Robin (Mike) Gaus, all of Oak Ridge; step-grandchildren, Alec Keathley and Graham Keathley, both of Knoxville; great-grandchildren, Jessica and James Gaus; special sisters-in-law, Reba McGinnis and Maude Simmons; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

The family will receive friends on Monday, Dec. 16, from 5-7 p.m. at Central Baptist Church of Oak Ridge. The funeral will follow at 7 p.m. with Rev. Glenn Ellis officiating. Family and friends will meet on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Anderson Memorial Gardens for a graveside service.

The family asks that any memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to Central Baptist Church.

Weatherford Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.