HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Former Huntsville School Board Member Walker McGinnis passed away Wednesday, the school district confirmed. He was 77 years old.
Mc Ginnis served as Principal of Chapman Middle School, Assistant Principal at Whitesburg Middle School and Grissom High School and as a coach who inspired countless young athletes. After retiring from his administrative role, he continued his service as an elected member of the Huntsville City School Board, representing District Four from 2014 to 2021.
"Regardless of the many roles he assumed – Teacher, Coach, Elected School Board Member, Friend – Walker McGinnis had a single focus: He worked to help students achieve success in school as well as in life. Walker also exhibited leadership as an administrator, which was evident in his outspoken support of teachers. Walker McGinnis made a difference in many lives; he will be missed,” said Mary Ruth Yates, Retired HCS Assistant Superintendent.
As an alumnus of Huntsville City Schools and Rhodes College, he became a nationally recognized speaker on Special Education regulations. In 1998, he compiled the Huntsville City Schools Section 504 Resource Guide and was honored in 2006 as the Outstanding Administrator by the Alabama Association of Foreign Language Teachers.
Walker McGinnis also served in the U.S. Army Reserves, achieving the rank of Major.
Visitation for Walker will be held on Saturday, December 21, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Mayfair Church of Christ, followed by funeral services at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
