Dr. Donald Bryan McGinty

Dr. Donald Bryan McGinty passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on October 17, 2025. He was born on December 31, 1938, to Louise Blanton McGinty and Griffin McGinty. Don grew up in Opelika, Alabama, where he spent his early years helping his father bottle RC Cola out of their garage-a humble beginning that reflected his lifelong work ethic and drive.
Don graduated from Opelika High School in 1957, where he was voted "Best All-Around," a senior superlative that perfectly captured him. He excelled in athletics as a member of the football, basketball, and track teams. He earned his lifelong nickname "Moose" during his high school years because he had a hook shot like basketball star Jerry "Moose" Harper. He sang in the Glee Club and Men's Chorus and served in leadership roles in the Student Council, Beta Club, Key Club, and O-Club. Lastly, Don distinguished himself as a Cadet Battalion Commander as a member of the Reserve Officer's Training Corps (R.O.T.C.).
He went on to attend the University of Alabama, earning his Bachelor of Science degree before continuing at the University of Alabama Dental School, where he spent four years earning his Doctorate of Dental Medicine. The first in his family to pursue higher education, Don worked to put himself through school, taking on jobs-including driving an 18-wheeler-to make his dream possible. During his years of study, he also served in the National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve, and U.S. Navy. While at Alabama, he was a proud member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, forging lifelong friendships that remained deeply meaningful throughout his life.
Upon completing his Doctorate, he joined the Navy full time as a Lieutenant and served his country honorably in Vietnam as part of the U.S. Naval Reserve aboard the U.S.S. Franklin D. Roosevelt. His military service reflected the same leadership, commitment, and sense of duty he carried throughout his life. Among his honors were the Vietnam Service Medal with Campaign Star, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, and the National Defense Service Medal. After his tour in Vietnam, he returned to the University of Alabama for two years to become certified in Endodontics.
Following his final years at Alabama, Don began a distinguished 43-year career as an Endodontist in private practice in Atlanta. He was beloved by his patients and colleagues for his warm bedside manner and his knack for making even a dreaded dental procedure feel like a social visit. His practice was built not just on skill, but on connection. Those who worked for him became like a second family. That sense of loyalty and care created an environment that patients felt the moment they walked through the door.
Don's professional achievements reflected his drive and generous nature. He served as President of the Georgia Association of Endodontists and was active in the American Association of Endodontists, the Georgia Dental Association, and the Northern District Dental Society, where he held numerous leadership positions. Don was a member of the Hinman Dental Society. He also served as Assistant Editor for the Journal of the Georgia Dental Association and contributed to the Journal of Endodontics. Throughout his career, he remained passionate about education, teaching part-time at both the University of Alabama School of Dentistry and Emory School of Dentistry, and mentoring the next generation of dental professionals.
Don had many passions, each of which he pursued with energy and enthusiasm. He flew airplanes solo, sailed the Atlantic, hiked the Appalachian Trail, made pottery, raced cars, was an amateur photographer, art and music enthusiast, and wine connoisseur, traveled all over the world, and was an avid runner. He ran his first marathon in his early 40s and his second one a year later. Over the next four decades, he completed 183 marathons, including several 50- and 100-mile ultramarathons. He ran a marathon on every continent, competed in the Moscow Goodwill Games, the Comrades Marathon in South Africa, the Western States 100, and the Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race, to name a few. Don also completed over 40 consecutive Peachtree Road Races, running many of those and a lot of marathons with his close friend, Alston Glenn. His running adventures reflected his passion for adventure and his determination to live life fully. Not only did he run races, he shared them, encouraging friends and cheering on first-time racers with enthusiasm.
Outside of his many pursuits, Don's greatest joy was his family. He shared with them his belief in the pursuit of excellence, love of travel and adventure, and living a healthy, active life. He was involved in his children's sports and activities, including being an excellent Indian Princess Guide. He was known to drive his children and their friends around in his sports cars, fast enough to make them thrilled and terrified in equal measure. In later years, he became a beloved fixture at his grandchildren's schools and sporting events, cheering proudly and often from the very front row. His devotion to family was as constant as his stride-steady, strong, and full of heart.
He is survived by his two daughters, Lara McGinty Hall (Chris) and Sara McGinty Lerner (Mark), as well as his longtime companion and love of his life, Mary Janet Harden. He is also survived by three beloved grandchildren: Matthew Wilk Hall, Charles Lanford Hall, and Caroline Louise Lerner. He was preceded in death by his mother, Louise Blanton McGinty; his father, Griffin McGinty; and his sister, Ann McGinty Mayton. His family and friends will remember him for his infectious smile, entertaining stories, and unwavering love for those he cared about.
A service to celebrate Don's life will be held on November 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Kellett Chapel at Peachtree Presbyterian Church, where Don was an active member. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Girls on the Run, an organization that reflects his love of running and his belief in the power of encouraging others.
Don McGinty lived life fully and with great love. His legacy endures in every story told, every smile shared, and every finish line he inspired others to cross.