George McGinnis

1950 - 2023

George McGinnis obituary, 1950-2023

George McGinnis

1950 - 2023

BORN

1950

DIED

2023

George McGinnis Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Dec. 14 to Dec. 15, 2023.

George McGinnis was an ABA and NBA basketball player who led the Pacers to two ABA titles and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

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February 25, 2025

John Colvin posted to the memorial.

December 30, 2024

Joyce M. Jeffries, Bloomington IN posted to the memorial.

December 2, 2024

RICK THORNE posted to the memorial.

24 Entries

John Colvin

February 25, 2025

Man I feel bad, He was my cousin I remember just watching his highlights he was really good one of the greatest pacers players of all time.

Joyce M. Jeffries, Bloomington IN

December 30, 2024

Thinking of his family and their loss, keeping them in prayers. God Bless.
George will never be forgotten. He was one of a kind. May he rest in peace.

RICK THORNE

December 2, 2024

I REMEMBER SEEING GEORGE & STEVE DOWNING WALK DOWN THE HALL AT GWHS AS A SENIOR IN 1967. WHAT A SIGHT TO BEHOLD. THOSE WERE THE GOOD OLD DAYS. SAD AMERICA IS CRUMBLING FROM WITHIN NOW. IT'S ALMOST A YEAR NOW SINCE GEORGE DIED. I PAY FOR HIS FAMILY! RICK THORNE DISABLED VIETNAM ERA VET IN MONTANA.

Dr. Gwendolyn West

January 11, 2024

George McGinnis was not only an outstanding athlete he was a great example of Godly character. I met the Basketball Hall of Fame at Indiana University. He always had a smile and a very winning spirit. One in a million!

Dr Gwendolyn West

January 11, 2024

George McCowan

January 1, 2024

I will cherish his memory

Jacquella Patterson

December 30, 2023

I remember George coming to our house in Detroit to visit us. He was my stepfather (Comer Keith) nephew. I remember this picture being on the wall in our house. He was so tall he had to bend to get through the door. We would visit Indiana in the summertime with his mom and sister. Job well done BIG GEORGE R.I.P. player

David Gadis

December 21, 2023

God bless you George, you were a great friend and mentor, thank you taking time with me. You are one of the GOATS.

Donna E Williams

December 20, 2023

On behalf of the Indiana Athletic Teen Basketball Association, IATBA: Our many thanks go out to George, while we also send our prayers and our most sincere condolences to the family. Aside from the great Washington High School and Indiana Pacer career memories we especially thank George for his help in launching IATBA. Because of his kindness, countless teens and families greatly benefited. George will be sorely missed!

Barbara Jordan- McGill

December 20, 2023

Thank you for all the memories as a Philadelphia 76er. Rest in Power!

BECKY MCMILLAN

December 20, 2023

I KNEW BOTH LYNDA & GEORGE...THEY WERE THE SWEETEST COUPLE EVER. I REMEMBER LYNDA TELLING ME ABOUT BEING CHILDHOOD SWEEETHEARTS. I WILL MISS BOTH LYNDA & GEORGE. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER SEEING GEORGE WITH THE RED, WHITE & BLUE BASKETBALL...HE ALWAYS SHOT WITH ONE HAND. HE WAS THE BEST PLAYER IN THE ABA...THAT TEAM WAS AWESOME...I WILL MISS #30 ALWAYS & FOREVER. I WILL MISS THE MCGINNIS'. I PRAY THAT THEY ARE TOGETHER IN HEAVEN...REUNITED. PRAYERS GO OUT TO TONY & KAREN & THE WHOLE MCGINNIS FAMILY.

BECKY MCMILLAN

CS

December 20, 2023

I offer my sincere condolences to the family of George McGinnis. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time.

RR

December 18, 2023

An excellent ball player for sure, great to watch. My condolences to the McGinnis family, so very sorry for your loss. God be with you all.

OGRIZOVICH Family

December 17, 2023

Friend/school/basketball Indiana

Darrell Cannon

December 17, 2023

I remember watching you play basketball in high school and I must say, it was exciting to watch the Washington Continentals beat everyone. You went to school with my brother Leonard. I recall, one year you played football and you went out for a pass and caught the ball with one hand, now that was awesome.
It was fun watching you play ball in high school, the ABA, with the Pacer’s and the 76ers. In my own opinion, you and the Washington Continentals were the most excitement I’ve had since living in Indy.
Thank You for the good memories.
Now rest in peace and power.
I’m a fan of yours.

James

December 16, 2023

Hard to put into words losing such a great friend so suddenly in life. George and I were best friends in high school. Sure we can talk about our teams success, scoring records and exciting games. Our friendship went far beyond the basketball court! We shared meals at each other´s houses, we rode horses together, went water skiing together. We went to other friends houses played pool, ping pong and sat around talking about things! We were blessed to have so many good friends in high school. As we left high school into other directions of our lives, we never stopped talking to each other and seeing each other. Sure it wasn´t as frequent but we still kept in touch. As we got older we got together more often. For the last few years, our team would meet for lunch once a month, talking and laughing like we did back in the day! George was one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He was also a great man, husband and best friend a person could have. I am really going to miss him, but will always remember the stories, and good times we had together growing up! Gonna miss you Brother! Bonnie prayers to you!

Gary Eyler

December 16, 2023

Mac was an incredible guy. One of my very best friends. We did a lot together, and shared many good times over the last 40 years. I am truly heartbroken by his sudden passing. RIP Big Mac

Linda Norkin

December 15, 2023

You were a wonderful next door neighbor for 20 years! You will be missed!! Your entire family are in my prayers. Linda

December 15, 2023

Downing and McGinnis1969 !!! Almost impossible to describe how they dominated Indiana high school basketball that year !!! Two great guys.

Deborah Floyd "Peaches"

December 15, 2023

I will always remember your kindness to another Haughville kid at IU Bloomington and your encouragement over the years. I will always remember how smart and thoughtful you were and how much your family meant to you! Thank you, George. May the Lord Jesus bless and keep your family in His peace that surpasses all human understanding.

Mr. Jr

December 15, 2023

My condolences.

Mr. Jr.

December 15, 2023

My condolences.

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Sign George McGinnis's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 25, 2025

John Colvin posted to the memorial.

December 30, 2024

Joyce M. Jeffries, Bloomington IN posted to the memorial.

December 2, 2024

RICK THORNE posted to the memorial.