George Thomas McGinness

George Thomas McGinness passed away unexpectedly on December 21, 2025, at the age of 77. Raised on Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, he was affectionately known as Toto to his family and many friends. He was born on September 24, 1948, to Billie Fontaine McGinness and Joseph Hastings McGinness.

Mr. McGinness was a proud graduate of the McCallie School and the University of Georgia, where he was an enthusiastic member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Upon graduation from the University of Georgia, Mr. McGinness became an officer in the United States Marine Corps and served his country with pride.

He joined the Morrisette Paper Company in 1976 to open its Hickory, NC branch, and spent fifty years developing packaging solutions and selling industrial supplies to with a wide network of commercial customers in Western North Carolina and beyond. Toto developed close friendships with the customers he served, and his co-workers at Morrisette, a constant theme throughout his life.

The facts of his life do not describe Toto, who was a one-of-a-kind character that lived life to the fullest. Toto grew-up in a large family on Lookout Mountain and loved spending time with his family and friends. Always eager to participate in any-and-all celebrations, Toto will be remembered for his mischievous ways and ability to bring a smile and laughter to everyone he met. Possessing a kind and generous spirit, he will be missed by many.

He is survived by his loving wife, Katherine Tatum McGinness, and daughters Emory Keenan (Craig), Mier Esch (Chris), and Mary Katherine Vinson (Jordan). He is also survived by four grandchildren: Cason John Esch, Huxley Thomas Esch, Tatum Elizabeth Presley Vinson, and Fiona Fitzgerald. He also leaves behind a sister, Margaret McGinness, and three brothers: Joe McGinness (Tara), Sam McGinness (Mary), and Jimmy McGinness (Farell), as well as many nieces, nephews, and countless friends. He was predeceased by his brother, William McGinness, and Katherine’s son, David Fitzgerald.

A service will be held at 2:00 pm on January 3, 2026, at Our Lady of the Mount Catholic Church in Lookout Mountain with a reception in the Parish Hall. A celebration of his life will also be held on a date to be determined in Hickory, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the McCallie School, 500 Dodds Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404 or to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.caringcremations.net. The McGinness family has entrusted arrangements to Caring Cremations Life Celebrations and Funerals at 828-855-3350.