Obituary published on Legacy.com by Faries Funeral Directors and Crematorium, Inc. on Dec. 23, 2024.
Robert (Bob) Wayne McGinnis, age 73 of Clayton, Delaware passed away peacefully at home with family by his side after a brief but courageous battle with Leukemia. Bob was born to the late Frederick and Gladys McGinnis on October 25, 1951. His brother, Frederick (Ted) McGinnis and a sister and brother in law preceded him in death Louise and Fred Bush.
Bob was a 1970 graduate of John Bassett Moore High School and received a Bachelor's Degree from Liberty University in Business Administration. Bob also received a certificate from Command and General Staff College.
Bob proudly served in the Delaware Army National Guard for 27 years receiving several accommodations including: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3rd award), Army Achievement Medal (2nd award), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (7th award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), Southwest Asia Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars. Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Pistol Bar, Sharp Shooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar. During his military career, Bob was deployed to Desert Shield/Desert Storm War in 1990-1991. Bob retired as a Lt. Colonel.
Upon retirement, Bob, along with his wife, Pat successfully owned and operated RWM Embroidery and More in the Smyrna area until their retirement in 2022.
Bob is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 49 years, Patricia M. McGinnis. September 13th, 2025 would have been their 50th wedding anniversary. Bob is also survived by his daughter, Trisha McGinnis and her fiancée, Paul DeBenedictis. Grandson, Rawlins (Rawley) Wyatt McGinnis and his girlfriend, Geneva, along with the family dog, Bentley. His love for his dog Bentley was something special whether they were out for their daily walks or simply enjoying time together at home. Bentley was truly Bob's best friend.
Bob is also survived by his nephews and their family, Greg and Cheryl Bush of Louisiana and Steve, Lisa and Riley Duncan of Louisiana.
A passage written by Bob's grandson, Rawley:
My Pop Pop was so much more than his accomplishments. He wasn't just my grandfather, he was the man that stepped up and took the place of a male role model, Pop Pop showed me what it meant to be strong, kind, and dependable. He taught me how to be patient, how to work hard, and how to care deeply for those you love.
The days of our fishing trips, where most of the time we caught nothing but turtles, and the conversations we had will forever be cherished. It seemed like every few months he would always have a new vehicle to show off, where he would tell me about all the new features that car had.
Pop Pop left a legacy of love, humor, and strength that will live on in all of us. Though our hearts are broken, we are comforted knowing that he lived a full and meaningful life, surrounded by the people and things he loved most.
Rest in peace, Pop Pop. Thank you for stepping up and being the man I needed. You will always be in our hearts. We will carry your stories, your lessons, and your love with us every single day.
I will forever be grateful to carry the RWM initials.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 at 11a.m. followed by a memorial service with military honors at 12:00 p.m at Faries Funeral Chapel, located at 29 South Main Street,
Smyrna, DE 19977.
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