Mr. Donald Houston “Don” McGinnis, age 70, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life Monday morning, September 7, 2026, at the local hospital.

Don was born December 23, 1955, in Calhoun, Georgia, a son of the late William Berry and Oma Melinda Cline McGinnis, Sr. He was also preceded in death by his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Barbara and Bobby Owen, Christine and Ernest Hullender, and Betty Baker.

Don was a 1973 graduate of Calhoun High School and dedicated his entire working career to serving the City of Calhoun and the people of his community. He spent his first tweny years with the Calhoun Fire Department, retiring as a Lieutenant, and then continued his service to the city for another twenty-seven years as a Building Inspector. Throughout those many years, Don was much more than an employee—he was a familiar and trusted face in the community and took great pride in helping the people of Calhoun. The friendships he made through his years of service meant so much to him, and many of his City of Calhoun friends became like family.

Along with his wife, Don also owned and operated Pee Wee Paws Kennel and Grooming, a business that reflected his love for animals and his enjoyment of working with people. Don was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed being outside and making the most of life. He was also an avid sports fan and especially loved his beloved Georgia Bulldogs. Whether following his favorite teams, enjoying the outdoors, or simply spending time with those he loved, Don had a way of making the moments of life special.

Above all, Don loved his family. His wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the center of his world, and he treasured every opportunity to spend time with them. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. Don will be remembered as a hardworking man who gave many years of his life to his community, a sports enthusiast who proudly cheered for the Dawgs, and, most importantly, as a man who loved his family with all his heart.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jean Baker McGinnis, with whom he celebrated forty years of marriage on July 3, 2026; children, Christopher Cole Callaway of Dalton, Georgia, Deidre and Ben Hankinson of Augusta, Georgia, April and Randy Callaway of Dalton, Georgia, and Scott and Rachel Freeman of Lafayette, Georgia; grandchildren, Crimmins Hankinson, Maddox Hankinson, Whit Hankinson, Kristin Fortenberry, Aaron Thomas, Asberri and Cole Ingram, Koven Freeman, and Gracie Freeman; great-grandchildren, Kylie Hall, Maggie Thomas, Tannyn Ingram, Townes Ingram, and Slade Weber; brothers, William B. “Junior” and Wanda McGinnis of Dalton, Georgia, Robert “Bob” and Charlene McGinnis of Ringgold, Georgia, and Paul and Subrena McGinnis of Calhoun, Georgia; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Doris and Larry Smith, Marvin and Debbie Baker, Richard Baker, and Janet and Reed Franks, all of Dalton, Georgia; and many friends, including his dear friends and former coworkers with the City of Calhoun, who were truly like family to him.

Click here to view celebration of life for Mr. Donald Houston "Don" McGinnis

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. Donald Houston “Don” McGinnis will be held Friday, September 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Ponders Calhoun Chapel with Reverend Terry Timms officiating. He will be laid to rest at Gordon Memorial Gardens, with retired members of the City of Calhoun Fire Department honored to serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at Ponders Calhoun Chapel from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Thursday and after 11:00 a.m. Friday until the service hour.

Ponders Calhoun Chapel, selected independent owned and operated 675 Jolly Road Calhoun, Georgia 30701