Frederick Samuel McGinnis, III was born in Knoxville, TN in January 1953 to Frederick II and Nancy (nee Pryor). Fondly known as “Yogi” to family and friends, he was a big brother to Victor, Frances, and Yasmin. Growing up, he loved watching Popeye cartoons with his brother Vic, who joined him in tormenting their younger sisters. At the end of high school he met a beautiful young lady named Gloria (whom he knew as “Dean”), and fell head over heels in love. Fortunately, it was mutual and they were soon married in 1972. He joined the Navy and was out at sea for a number of years. Their first child was born in 1975 while Gloria was a student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

When Frederick left the Navy, he returned to Knoxville and enrolled at UT as well, earning his degree in Geology. He loved rocks! And he loved fossils! But, most of all he loved his “Dean” and his growing family. A few years after the birth of their second son, they moved to Louisville, KY, where they have lived since. They were blessed with a third son a few years later. Frederick’s love of geology took him to work for the National Imagery and Mapping Agency. When the Louisville branch of his office shut down, he commuted weekly to Bethesda, MD and St. Louis, MO.

When he retired from his work with the government, he decided that since Gloria seemed to be enjoying her work as an elementary school teacher that he might as well. He tried his hand at substitute teaching and had many stories of his time. Frederick was an amazing story teller; he could weave the most entertaining and outlandish stories at the blink of an eye. He had an uncanny ability to catch you off guard and make you laugh, making up his own names for everything from cranberry sauce (Razzleberry dressing) to deciduous food and delicious trees. He had a soft spot for chocolate and Jelly Beans and liked to try new food, especially with a hint of spice. He set high standards and expectations for himself and guided his family to do the same. His boys were his world and he brought up three strong young men. His grandsons are the apples of his beautiful eyes. They are his legacy and what a legacy it is.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria McGinnis (née Summey); younger sisters, Frances and Yasmin; sons Jamil (Suzanne), Rahman, and Hassan (Lauren); and grandsons, Seamus, Ezra, and Eli.

He is missed and loved beyond measure.

Visitation will be 10:00 am - 11:30 am at Highlands Funeral Home, followed by burial at Floydsburg Cemetery in Crestwood, KY under a great delicious tree.