Immediately after graduating from high school, McGinnis completed his freshman year of college and joined the US Army. After completing training in North Carolina and Texas, he was sent to Europe as a rifleman in the 99th Infantry Division, serving on the front lines of Belgium and Germany.

Upon discharge from the army, McGinnis completed his degree from Marshall University. After graduation, he began working at Huntington Federal Savings and Loan Association, where he later was elected president. McGinnis was one of the youngest presidents of any financial institution in the United States and held his presidential position for 39 years.

McGinnis has served on the board of many savings institutions. He also serves as a member on many civic and social boards and is a member of the John Marshall Society at Marshall University. He is the director of the LCOB Advisory Board and served as President of Marshall University in 1982-83