Billy Gene McGinnis, 93, of Cameron, formerly of Gallatin, died Thursday, September 27, 2018, at the Missouri Veteran's Home in Cameron.

Billy Gene was born on April 8, 1925, in Orrick, to Omer Neal and Mattie Ashley (Hall) McGinnis.

Survivors include: his loving partner: Barbara Davis of Kearney; his son Rod (Linda) McGinnis of Hermitage; one brother J.B. (Shirley) McGinnis of Excelsior Springs; four grandchildren: Abby McGinnis, Scott McGinnis, Tanner Gooding, Whitney (Graham) McCaulley; 11 great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law John Knapp of Overland Park, KS; one son-in-law Phil Gooding of Kearney; and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Jill Ann Gooding, his sisters Peggy Dooley and Betty Sue Knapp, and brother-in law Ralph Dooley.

Billy was a proud Navy Veteran that served in WWII and was called back to Korea.  He worked in a cabinet shop, an appliance & furniture store, delivered ice, and was a teller at the Old Trust Company Bank.  He moved to Gallatin, MO, in 1954.  There he managed a hardware store, owned an appliance store, installed carpet and worked for Hope Funeral Home.  He started his own floor covering business, built houses and contracted with JC Penney's for flooring.  He was a member of the Methodist Church and the VFW #2172 Frank Frazier Post.  He retired and lived at Lake Viking in Gallatin, MO.  He moved to Excelsior Springs, MO, and then to the Veteran's Home in Cameron, MO, where he became a greeter and tour guide.  He NEVER knew a stranger and nothing was ever his fault.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Veteran's Home Assistance League.  They can be dropped off or mailed to the Cameron Veteran's Home Assistance League, 1111 Euclid Avenue, Cameron, MO 64429.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, October 4, 2018, in the chapel at the Missouri Veteran's Home in Cameron.  Graveside services with internment will be at 3:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 4, 2018 at the Missouri State Veteran's Cemetery, in Higginsville.  Thurman Funeral Home, in Richmond, is in charge of arrangements.  Please share your memories with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com .