Clifford Johnel McGinnis was born on October 13,1954 in Kaiserslautern, Germany to Elenore Schwarz McGinnis and William “Pete” McGinnis. He returned to the United States as a young teenager and then moved to Brussels, Belgium with his mother and step-father, Rush Lantz, continuing his role as “military brat”.
Cliff was very proud of his German heritage. He often told the story of his grandmother putting beer in his baby bottle with grenadine and his mom finding him in a bar at age 4 with his dad – both with a mug of beer in front of them.
Cliff was a proud member of the United States Army maintaining the heritage of his patriotic family tree. He served 14 years in both active and reserve status. His favorite duty station was Ft. Greeley, Alaska – “Home of the Chosen Frozen”, an arctic testing and survival training center.
He settled in the Tampa, Florida area with his son, Chad, and daughter, Lisa, where he learned to love the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Florida Gators. He never wavered in his support of these teams – through every victory and defeat.
He continued his traveling as an over the road truck driver. His first run was to New York City from Tampa hauling seafood. He later found his long-term home with RBX trucking. After driving local, he moved into the office as a dispatcher. After retiring from RBX, he went back to work for them part-time in the office. During his career in the trucking industry, there was a true appreciation for his skills and hands-on knowledge. He made many friends over the years as a driver and dispatcher.
Cliff eventually moved to southwest Missouri, where he fell in love with the woman who captured his heart and completed his life, Kellie Haney. He met the woman of his dreams when she was working in dispatch answering phones at Prime trucking and his sister, Tami, was driving a truck for them. This began Cliff and Kellie’s 28-year romance. On March 29, 2003, they exchanged vows in a small but beautiful wedding chapel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas publicly expressing their love for one another.
Cliff always took off work to help Kellie in the floral shop with special holidays such as
Valentine’s and Mother’s Day when her workload was going to be overwhelming. He grouched sometimes but he truly enjoyed being her knight in shining armor. His childhood travels combined with his adult travel bug took him to 14 countries and 49 states. He and Kellie were able to journey together to many places and they loved this so much. He was able to introduce Kellie to Alaska on their first cruise together. They traveled to England, Ireland, Canada, and the Caribbean. Planning these trips brought so much joy to Cliff. He would talk for months of these plans!
Helping others was a trademark of Cliff’s. His many friends can attest to that. Over the years, he helped to build a barn, cutting and splitting wood, mowed yards, used his truck and muscles to move people, took them to the hospital for emergent issues at a moment’s notice, moved mission supplies across country, pulled trucks out of the creek, and the list goes on and on. Everyone knew if there was a need, Cliff would drop whatever he was doing and speed to your side to render aid. He was a true friend who would stand by you for the long haul. He was always a phone call away and always with a smile on his face – well almost always! He was a loyal friend, big-hearted, and caring. He was especially proud that he was instrumental in helping Cole Mizio reach his goal of acceptance into Nascar School so he could follow his dream. Besides his mother, Cliff was Cole’s biggest fan!
Cliff found the perfect group to give back to the world of veterans in the Warriors Watch Riders (WWR) organization. He was selfless and always ready to honor a veteran and show them the respect they deserved for serving their country through participation in laying these individuals to rest. There were also multiple charity and community events. This group, which he was so honored to be a part of, was very special in his life. His friends and family that are grieving this immeasurable loss, are grateful for their loyalty, support, and steadfast love of their brother. He loved riding his spider and flying his flag when participating in WWR events. A true band of brothers and sisters! Thank you, Warriors, for your love of this man, one of your own.
Over the years, Cliff has held many titles. He was a son, step-son, brother, dad, dad-in-law, papa, husband, uncle, and WWR brother to his family and extended family.
Cliff was welcomed into Heaven by his mother, Elenore, his father, William, his grandparents, and his sister, Tami.
Cliff leaves behind his loving wife of 20 years, Kellie; Son Chad and wife Rachelle and
grandsons Caius and Breckin (Fair Grove, MO); Daughter Lisa Daily (Tampa, FL); Nephew Steven McGinnis and great nephew Elijah (Phoenix, AZ); Sister Tania Paulk and husband Bryan, niece Caitlin, and nephew James (Bristow, VA); Step-father Rush Lantz and wife Dory (Gainesville,VA); Loving fur babies Carley and Blake; and his large extended family and friends who will miss him very much.
Rest in Peace, Cliff. Know that you are loved, your time on this earth was well spent, and your spirit of laughter and fun will be with us forever.
In lieu of flowers donations are appreciated for Friends of the Warriors Watch Riders, 1175 W. Oakville Rd, Springfield, MO 65810 or https://www.valleyhillsanimalrescue.com/donate