Robert Lewis McInnis

Dover, NH - Robert Lewis "Mac" McInnis was born on November 19, 1941, to Lewis Mendenhall McInnis and Elizabeth Lee McInnis in Mount Olive, Mississippi. He was the second of two children, joining his sister Katie Ruth McInnis Ball (born November 1937, preceded him in death in 1996). His parents, who instilled in him a deep faith and strong values, went home to be with God in 1987 and 1997 respectively.
When Robert was just nine months old, his family joined the Great Migration, seeking greater opportunity and freedom in the North. They journeyed to Chicago, Illinois by way of St. Louis, Missouri, eventually settling into a home on Cermak Road on the city's west side.
Robert displayed academic brilliance from an early age and started kindergarten ahead of schedule alongside his slightly older cousin. Throughout his education in the Chicago Public School System, he demonstrated particular aptitude in mathematics. Beyond academics, Robert was an active member of Olivet Baptist Church, where he deepened his love for the Lord, participated in Sunday School and youth activities, and developed his musical talents on the accordion and alto saxophone. His lifelong appreciation for music, especially doo-wop and sounds of the '50s and '60s, led him to enjoy countless concerts at the legendary Regal Theater. In his early teens, Robert became the Chicago Marbles Champion, showcasing his exceptional skill in a pastime that surprisingly received his devout parents' approval.
After graduating from Marshall High School, where he excelled as a diver, Robert pursued higher education at the University of Illinois-Champaign/Urbana, majoring in mathematics. His college years brought two life-changing connections: joining Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and meeting the love of his life, Myrtle "Snookie" Morton. Their relationship flourished, leading them to transfer together to Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (SIU) to complete their degrees. Despite their seemingly opposite personalities, their deep, abiding love and shared values culminated in marriage on September 4, 1965.
The newlyweds moved to Seattle, Washington, where Mac began his career with Boeing. Seeking further education, he returned to SIU for graduate studies, ultimately making history as the first person to receive a master's degree in computer science from the institution. His thesis on the assignment of social security numbers demonstrated his innovative thinking. Mac took special pride that his daughter, Kimberley Lynn, born in May 1971, attended his graduate commencement. From that moment forward, his unwavering love and pride in Kimberley provided her with a solid foundation for life.
Thanks to Snookie's connections at IBM from their time in Seattle, Mac launched a distinguished career with the company that spanned over 25 years. His professional journey took the family across the country-from South Bend, Indiana to Raleigh, North Carolina, Denver, Colorado, Dallas, Texas, and finally to Potomac, Maryland, where Robert completed the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and embraced Catholicism. After IBM, his expertise benefited organizations including Madden Tech, KPMG (where he led U.S. Airways through the Y2K transition), the government of the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia Community College, and Livingstone College, where he concluded his career as both professor and IT professional.
Following his retirement in 2020, Robert cherished time with Snookie, attended services at St. Bartholomew's Church in Bethesda, Maryland, enjoyed his music collection, expanded his Southwestern American art collection, and delighted in his family's accomplishments. He found particular joy in the activities of his grandson, Ty, granddaughter, Ashley, and great-grandson, Theo, who were constant sources of pride and happiness. In November 2023, he and Snookie relocated to New Hampshire to be closer to them, allowing for nearly daily visits.
Robert departed this life on March 26, 2025. His memory will be forever cherished by his loving family, including his devoted wife of nearly 60 years, Snookie McInnis; his daughter, Kimberley McInnis Shelton; son-in-law, Tyrone Shelton; grandson Tyrone Lewis "Ty" Shelton, who along with his partner Sophie Duvall lovingly cared for Robert during his final 18 months; granddaughter, Ashley Shelton; great-grandson, Theodore Shelton; niece, Stephanie Ball Pierce; sisters-in-law Barbara Ann Guilbeaux and Cee-Cee Marshall; and brother-in-law Autry Guilbeaux. He has been reunited with his parents, sister, and other family members who preceded him in death. He will be deeply missed by several special cousins, extended family members, and countless friends.
Though we mourn Robert's passing, we celebrate the extraordinary life he lived and the profound impact he had on all who knew and loved him. May his soul find eternal peace and may his memory forever be a blessing.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 5th at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Church, 182 Main Street, Newmarket. The family will receive friends and family at the church prior to the mass starting at 10 a.m.
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