John Mcinnis, Iii

John Roland McInnis, III completed his earthly life on Friday, March 30, 2018 at 2:15 p.m. He was born June 12, 1949, in Union, MS to Anna Green McInnis and John R. McInnis, Jr.

After his father’s death in the Korean Conflict, John and his mother moved to Greenwood, MS where he graduated from Greenwood High School in 1967. He continued his education at MS Delta Junior College where he played baseball and then graduated from Delta State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Studies Education. His teaching and coaching career spanned forty- two years and began at Pillow Academy in Greenwood and ended at Brandon High School just a few years ago. He also coached and taught at Brandon Academy, Jackson Preparatory School and Northwest Rankin.

Whether he was teaching MS History, training a student driver, helping a trackster chase a shot put record or instructing a football player on the fine points of offense, he took on the challenge with vigor and was able to instill the belief that challenges could be overcome with practice, correct form and a positive attitude.  He enjoyed his job every day, respected his colleagues, and loved his students and athletes. His kind spirit and gentle touch will be greatly missed.

His teams won twenty- six State Track Championships and two AAA Football Championships. He was named NFHS Coaches’ Association 2010 National Coach of the Year in Boys’ Track. He was also named MHSAA Coach of the Year, MAC Coach of the Year, Metro Coach of the Year and All-Star Coach several times each. He was inducted into Pillow Academy’s Hall of Fame and into the MAIS Association Hall of Fame. He would be grateful for these honors, shrug at them and consider that he was “just doing his job.”

John was a member of Brandon Presbyterian Church and faithfully served as a Deacon for twenty- nine years. He was designated Deacon Emeritus in 2018. He approached his service to the Lord as he did everything else, with attention to detail and a zeal for his Savior, Jesus Christ,  His people and His house.

He was preceded in death by his father, his mother, Anna Lott and his stepfather, Fred Lott of Greenwood. He leaves his wife of forty years, Angela Alexander McInnis and one son, Robert Benjamin Morris (Robin); three grandchildren, Ryan, Gracie and Eli and one great granddaughter, Sophia Jenkins, all the Rankin County area.

Special thanks go to Hospice Ministries, especially Robin Cumberland and Kim Ware for their excellent care and kindness; Dr. John Dawson and the members of Brandon Presbyterian Church who faithfully ministered to and helped care for our family; the nurses and staff at MS Baptist Hospital and our friends and family who have lifted us in prayer and stayed by our side throughout this difficult time.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 2, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at the Ott and Lee Funeral Home Chapel in Brandon, MS. Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at the Phalti Baptist Church Cemetery located at 908 Clem Road, Prentiss, MS 39474.

Memorials may be made to The Baptist Children’s Village, 114 Marketridge Drive, Ridgeland, MS 39157 or French Camp Academy, 1 Fine Place, French Camp, MS 39745.