Alexander Ralph McGinnis

Alexander Ralph McGinnis obituary, Columbus, OH

Alexander Ralph McGinnis

Alexander McGinnis Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Affinity Memorial Chapel - Columbus on Jan. 14, 2025.
Alexander Ralph McGinnis, also known as Al, AJ, Alex, AlSoul, SoulAir, Uncle Al, and Kid, was born on October 28, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio. He went home to rest with our Savior on January 10, 2025. Alex spent his early years in Blacklick, Ohio. He was known for his kind soul and loving spirit. On January 11, 2009, he was baptized at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church. Alex was a faithful believer in the Bible and the Most High.
He graduated proudly from Gahanna High School, where he developed a passion for soccer as a dedicated varsity team member. His experience on the field instilled values of teamwork and discipline. After high school, he attended the University of Akron on an academic scholarship, where he pursued electrical engineering and engaged with subjects like circuit design and electronics. His hard work led to his bachelor's degree, setting a solid foundation for a promising career in the field.
Alex was a highly talented artist and lyricist, known for his creative flair and passion for self-expression. His interests were diverse; he found joy in running to stay fit and boxing to channel his competitive nature. He was also a strong advocate for healthy living and eating, often sharing his recipes and enjoying the process of preparing meals for family and friends. Additionally, as a young teen, Alex became a dedicated mentor and an inspiring soccer trainer for the youth in his neighborhood.
Beyond his artistic pursuits, Alex was an ambitious entrepreneur who took great pride in designing his clothing brand, reflecting his unique style and vision. He created music that resonated with his experiences and feelings. In his spare time, Alex indulged in photography, capturing moments and scenes that inspired him and translating them into stunning visuals. Each photograph told a story, showcasing his keen eye for detail and composition.
After completing his college education, Alex began his professional journey by working at Emerson, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience. He later landed a contract with AEP, further advancing his career and expanding his professional network.
Throughout his life, Alex maintained a strong belief in the teachings of the Bible and studied its various translations. He valued its moral principles and sought to incorporate its lessons into his daily life, believing that they provided guidance and purpose in a complicated world.
Alex was the glue that held the family together. He consistently took the time to reach out and express his care and love for his family and friends. Believing in the importance of strong family bonds, he made a conscious effort to align his moral values with those he loved. He never met a stranger and genuinely cared for the people in his inner circle. His love language was quality time, and he dedicated his life to caring for others in this way. He is cherished by many and will be deeply missed.
He is preceded in death by his sisters, Dominae Gaston-McGinnis and Erika McGinnis, and grandparents Ralph and Cecilia McGinnis, Joyce Clarke, and Patti Cowans.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his parents Joyce and Ralph McGinnis, sisters, Sherettha (Rob) Simmons, Danielle McGinnis, Amber (Sean) Sebring, Dajanae (Herman) Washington; brother Brandon (Ladawn) McGinnis; grandfather, Reginald (Karen) Clarke; his nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and many other relatives and friends.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Alexander Ralph McGinnis, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Alexander McGinnis's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 22, 2025

Sharon Seward posted to the memorial.

January 21, 2025

Aaron Gloeckler posted to the memorial.

January 21, 2025

Heidi Cressman posted to the memorial.

6 Entries

Sharon Seward

January 22, 2025

My heartfelt condolences to our family on the passing of our loving Great Nephew Alexander Ralph MCGinnis
Sharon Seward Britt Seward Britt Seward Jr...

Aaron Gloeckler

January 21, 2025

Alex was my first friend at The University of Akron. I approached him at the Student Union on the first week of classes because I needed to tell him how much I liked his shoes. We soon realized that we were both first year Electrical Engineering students who shared the same love of Adidas. The friendship he showed me was instantaneous. Throughout those following 5 years we built a lifelong bond. Although there were endless nights of studying and uncertainty, we always laughed through the pain. We became part of an inseparable group of engineers who looked out for each other and made sure everyone crossed the finish line at graduation. Every single day Alex made everyone around him happy. His radiant smile and contagious laugh lit up the room. I wish I could explain the positive impact he made on my life and the lives of many. Without a doubt he will live on in all of our hearts forever.

Heidi Cressman

January 21, 2025

I was the director of the IDEAS program at the University of Akron while Alex attended as an electrical. His obituary is such a beautiful testament of him! I liked his style and easy smile...just a cool cat! I remember him getting his clothing line started and his youthful exuberance over the project while like a mom, I would say... well don´t leave engineering until this really takes off because I was so worried that he would be a success and would leave without a degree. But, Alex was very thoughtful and I should have known better! He would show me his latest designs with so much excitement! You couldn´t help but cheer for his successes and he had many! While we kept in touch occasionally on Facebook, Alex was meant to fly. When he got his offer from Emerson, I knew he was very proud and it was an honor to share the moment with him. He was also a great mentor and friend to many. It is with a heavy heart that I write this because I feel like he was always a giver and the world is less without him in it! But, he is now looking over us all from Heaven, designing a new clothing line for the Angels and probably creating the circuits for their new halos! I mourn his loss and hope that in the dark days ahead, your family can find solace in your memories of him!

IDEAs Program, The University of Akron

January 19, 2025

Remembering Alex with deepest sympathy for his intelligence, kindness, resilience, and the joy he brought to our program.
- Increasing Diversity in Engineering Academics (IDEAs) Program, The University of Akron

Paula Canter

January 17, 2025

Ralph, so sorry to hear of Alexander's passing. I know you worked longer than you needed to so you could launch him in life with a good college education. There's nothing harder for a parent than to lose a child. The obituary made me feel as if I knew him. I will be praying for your family.

Classic Ivory  A Florist Original

LC New Albany

Sent Flowers

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Affinity Memorial Chapel - Columbus

855 N. Nelson Road, Columbus, OH 43205

Make a Donation
in Alexander McGinnis's name

How to support Alexander's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Alexander McGinnis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored anonymously

Sign Alexander McGinnis's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 22, 2025

Sharon Seward posted to the memorial.

January 21, 2025

Aaron Gloeckler posted to the memorial.

January 21, 2025

Heidi Cressman posted to the memorial.