Terry McGinnis, Beloved Owner of Terry’s Grocery and Pizza and Lifelong Pillar of the Lynchburg and Fayetteville, Ohio Communities, Passes Away: A Devoted Neighbor, Friend, and Local Hero Whose Legacy of Kindness and Service Will Endure for Generations

Lynchburg, OH – June 5, 2025 — The towns of Lynchburg and Fayetteville, Ohio, are cloaked in mourning following the recent passing of Terry McGinnis, a man whose life was interwoven with the very fabric of his community. Terry, the longtime and beloved owner of Terry’s Grocery and Pizza, died peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades of compassion, generosity, and unwavering service.

His death marks not just the loss of a business owner, but the departure of a true community cornerstone—a man whose daily presence and quiet acts of kindness were felt by everyone who walked through his doors. For many, Terry was not simply the friendly face behind the counter. He was a neighbor, a confidant, a supporter of local families, a surrogate father figure, and, above all, a humble man who made an outsized impact on the lives around him.

A Life Rooted in Community

Born and raised in the rolling hills of Highland County, Terry McGinnis had deep roots in southern Ohio. From a young age, he exhibited the strong work ethic, calm demeanor, and sense of personal responsibility that would come to define his life. He was a man who valued people over profit and purpose over prestige.

Terry took over Terry’s Grocery and Pizza nearly 30 years ago, turning it into much more than a place to buy food. It became a sanctuary of sorts—a community hub, a place of comfort, familiarity, and connection. Locals often joked that you could go in for milk and end up staying for an hour just talking with Terry. It was never just about the groceries or the pizza (though many swore it was the best in the county)—it was about Terry himself. His kindness was magnetic.

He knew everyone by name. He knew their birthdays, their kids’ favorite pizza toppings, and when they’d had a tough day. In an age where digital transactions have replaced face-to-face connection, Terry remained an anchor of old-fashioned community spirit.

Service Beyond the Storefront

Terry’s generosity extended far beyond the four walls of his store. He quietly helped cover grocery bills for families in need, especially around the holidays. He was known to deliver groceries late at night during snowstorms or to drive elderly neighbors to appointments when transportation was scarce. He never looked for recognition—most people never knew the full extent of what he did. He simply saw a need and met it, again and again.

In times of community crisis, whether it was a local family experiencing a tragedy or a town fundraiser that needed support, Terry was often the first to step up. He donated meals, offered his space for events, and encouraged his customers to give back. He helped organize food drives, sponsored youth sports teams, and provided summer jobs for high schoolers who needed extra income or a steady influence.

“He never said no,” recalled longtime customer and friend Melissa Reynolds. “If someone needed help, Terry found a way. Even if he didn’t have it to spare, he gave. That was just who he was.”

A Gentleman of Unshakable Character

Everyone who knew Terry spoke of his kindness, but also his consistency. He was steady, reliable, and grounded—a person who made others feel safe. There was something about his presence that calmed people. He listened more than he spoke, and when he did speak, his words carried weight. He was a man of principle, never flashy but always genuine.

His workdays often started before dawn and extended well into the evening. Yet he never seemed rushed or burdened. If a customer came in five minutes after closing, Terry would keep the lights on. If someone was having a hard day, he’d offer a stool behind the counter and a warm plate of food.

Children who grew up visiting Terry’s Grocery and Pizza now bring their own kids in, sharing stories of how “Mr. Terry” gave them their first job, their first slice of real pizza, or the first sense of what true community looks like.

Family, Faith, and Humility

Terry’s devotion to others was matched by his deep love for his family. Though he rarely spoke of himself, those closest to him knew how proud he was of his children and grandchildren. He cherished quiet moments with them—Sunday dinners, family fishing trips, and long walks down country roads.

He was also a man of quiet but profound faith. He rarely missed church and could often be found praying in the early hours of the morning before opening his store. He lived his beliefs through action rather than words—through integrity, patience, generosity, and grace.

He never sought accolades. In fact, when the town once nominated him for a local “Citizen of the Year” award, he humbly declined public recognition. “I’m just doing what anyone would do,” he had said. But those who knew him understood better—his kind of humility was rare.

A Loss Felt Across Generations

The announcement of Terry’s passing was met with a collective outpouring of grief that reached across age groups, towns, and even counties. On social media, thousands of tributes poured in from former customers, childhood friends, fellow business owners, and families he had touched. People shared photos, anecdotes, and long-forgotten memories that now feel more precious than ever.

In Lynchburg, a temporary memorial outside the store has grown larger each day—lined with flowers, cards, handwritten notes, and candles. Children have drawn pictures of Terry and posted them on the store’s windows. On Wednesday evening, the parking lot overflowed with mourners during a community vigil, where people came to share stories, tears, and pizza in his honor.

“Terry wasn’t just a part of this town—he was its heart,” said Mayor Steven Clarke. “He taught us how to treat one another, how to give without expecting anything back, and how to live a meaningful life by doing the small things with great love.”

Remembering Through Action

In the wake of Terry’s passing, community leaders have pledged to continue his legacy through service. Plans are already underway to rename a section of Main Street as “McGinnis Way”, a symbolic reminder of the path Terry paved through kindness and action.

A scholarship fund is being established in his name to support local students pursuing careers in public service, small business, or community development. Organizers say the scholarship will prioritize applicants who demonstrate “Terry-like values”—integrity, humility, and a heart for others.

Local schools are planning a day of service in Terry’s honor, where students will perform acts of kindness throughout town—from lawn care for seniors to meal deliveries for low-income families. “We want our kids to grow up knowing who Terry McGinnis was,” said teacher Lora Benson. “And more importantly, we want them to grow up being like him.”

Final Farewell

Terry McGinnis is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Margaret McGinnis, their three children—Brian, Rachel, and Kevin McGinnis—and seven grandchildren who adored their “Papa Terry.” He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and dear friends who considered him family.

A public memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 8, at 2:00 PM at Lynchburg United Methodist Church, followed by a community meal in the church fellowship hall—featuring pizza and desserts donated by friends in honor of Terry’s legacy. All are welcome to attend and share stories, laughter, and tears as they remember the man who gave so much and asked for so little.

Carrying the Torch

Terry McGinnis may be gone from this world, but his presence will remain embedded in every corner of Lynchburg and Fayetteville—from the aisles of his store to the ballfields he sponsored, the doorsteps he visited, and the hearts he warmed. His life reminds us that true greatness lies not in titles or wealth, but in the simple, quiet acts of love that ripple through a community.

To honor him, let us all strive to be a little more like Terry: to slow down, to check in, to lend a hand without hesitation. Let us see each other more clearly, care more deeply, and remember that in a world hungry for connection, one person truly can make all the difference.

Rest in peace, Terry McGinnis. Your light will never fade.