Life Reflections

Vincent “Vince” “Mack” McGinnis was born on December 3, 1946, in Gretna, Louisiana, to the parentage of Thelma Black and Richard McGinnis. He departed this life leaving a remarkable legacy of love, faith, service, excellence, and unwavering devotion to his family. 

Vince was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Emily McGinnis, for 58 wonderful years. Together, they built a beautiful life and a strong family grounded in love, faith, and perseverance. He was the proud father of two sons, Kevin McGinnis (Lesley) and Eric McGinnis, and one whom he loved as a daughter, Anna Garza. Affectionately known as “Grandpa,” Vince was a loving grandfather to Brandon McGinnis, Kristopher McGinnis (Katie), Dylan McGinnis (Briana), Aretha Raibon McGinnis, Noah McGinnis, Eric McGinnis II, and Elisha McGinnis. He was also the proud and loving great-grandfather of Miles Jordan. 

Vince believed deeply in the value of education. He graduated from L. B. Landry High School and continued his academic journey at Dallas Baptist University in Dallas, Texas, where he earned both a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences and a Master of Education. His educational accomplishments reflected his lifelong dedication to learning, discipline, and personal growth. Vince enjoyed an exceptional professional career that spanned more than four decades. He devoted 33 years of service to IBM, holding several key positions, including Programmer, System Test Manager, and Project Manager. Among his many professional accomplishments, Vince proudly served as a Project Manager for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Following his distinguished tenure with IBM, Vince continued making significant contributions within the technology industry. He served for six years as a Project Test Manager with Pacific Gas and Electric Company in California and later spent eight years as a System Test Manager with 3M in Austin, Texas. His intelligence, professionalism, leadership, and steadfast commitment to excellence earned him the admiration and respect of colleagues throughout his career. 

Vince also proudly answered the call to serve his country in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Sergeant. With his characteristic precision and sense of humor, he often reminded others that he served for exactly three years, nine months, and twenty-nine days. It was a detail he always recalled with great pride. His military service reflected the discipline, integrity, commitment, and love of country that characterized his entire life. 

Beyond his educational and professional accomplishments, Vince possessed a lifelong passion for golf. His love for the game began at the age of thirteen while working as a caddie in New Orleans, Louisiana. With money he earned himself, he purchased a set of secondhand golf clubs and began working tirelessly to perfect his skills. Determined and resourceful, young Vince would quietly slip onto the golf course at night to practice his swing. Years later, he returned to those same courses as an accomplished golfer, playing the game he loved with remarkable skill and pride. Vince developed his game to an impressive 3 handicap and played on more than 100 golf courses throughout the country, including some of the nation’s most prestigious courses. Golf brought him tremendous joy, friendly competition, lifelong friendships, and countless treasured memories. 

Most importantly, Vince was a devoted man of faith. He was a proud charter member of First Christian Methodist Church and played an instrumental role in the construction of the church building. Working closely with the architect and maintaining daily communication, Vince helped ensure that every detail was completed correctly and according to schedule. His commitment to the church extended far beyond its physical construction; he dedicated countless hours to supporting its ministry, mission, and continued growth. Vince faithfully served in the church’s Media Ministry, where his extensive technical knowledge and expertise proved invaluable. Fondly known as the church’s unofficial photographer, he captured countless worship services, fellowships, celebrations, and special events, preserving precious memories for generations of church members. He also served as a systems technician, helping to maintain and troubleshoot the church’s technology and media equipment so that services and special programs could proceed smoothly. Whether he was standing behind a camera, working at a computer, or quietly assisting behind the scenes, Vince served with humility and excellence. His dedication reflected the heart of a true servant and his unwavering commitment to God, his church family, and the community he loved. 

Those who knew Vince will forever remember his warm spirit, brilliant mind, wonderful sense of humor, unwavering determination, and deep devotion to his family. Whether he was sharing one of his many stories, offering words of wisdom, enjoying a round of golf, solving a technical problem, or celebrating an important family milestone, Vince made a lasting impression on everyone blessed to know him. 

Vince was preceded in death by his mother, Thelma Black; his father, Richard McGinnis; his brothers, Donald McGinnis and Irvin Black; his grandmother, Mrs. Corella Black; his grandfather, Mr. Johnny Black; his uncle, Vincent Black; and his aunts, the Reverend Dr. Katherine Ward and Shirley Lewis. 

He leaves to cherish his precious memory his devoted wife of 58 years, Emily McGinnis; his sons, Kevin McGinnis (Lesley) and Eric McGinnis; one whom he loved as a daughter, Anna Garza; his grandchildren, Brandon McGinnis, Kristopher McGinnis (Katie), Dylan McGinnis (Briana), Aretha Raibon McGinnis, Noah McGinnis, Eric McGinnis II, and Elisha McGinnis; his great-grandson, Miles Jordan; his brothers, Jerome Black (Lucielle) and Gregory Black (Judy); his sisters, Yvette Webber (Edward), Stephanie Love, and Vanessa Black Lewis (Ronald); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, former colleagues, golfing companions, and cherished friends. Vince’s life was a testament to faith, hard work, perseverance, service, and unconditional love. Although he will be deeply missed, the wisdom he shared, the memories he created, and the love he gave will remain forever in the hearts of his family and all whose lives he touched. 

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Forever loved, forever remembered, and forever in our hearts.