William A. McGinnis

Smith County Commissioner Pct#2

Before being elected County Commissioner in 2006, Bill served the citizens of Smith County for 20 years as Administrative Assistant to the Commissioners Court. Over the years, Bill was responsible for a wide variety of tasks involving the day-to-day operations and management of Smith County and attended countless hours of county government continuing education.   

A native of Burbank, California, Bill has come full circle by settling in Smith County, only 40 miles from the old McGinnis family homestead overlooking Lake Fork. Soon after leaving California, Bill entered the field of news broadcasting, specializing in government and political reporting. Rising from “cub” reporter to News Director, Bill interviewed a wide range of public figures including President Jimmy Carter, Presidential candidate, Ronald Reagan, Vice-President/President, George H. Bush, several Texas Governors, Actress Sandy Duncan, Country & Western star, George Strait, Pro-Rodeo legend Jim Shoulders and author of the bestseller “Roots,” Alex Haley. Since his “roots” were in East Texas, Bill jumped at the chance in 1983 to relocate from the Tulsa, Oklahoma area to East Texas. During his news career Bill won several awards, including a National “Best Newscast” award, before leaving broadcasting to join Smith County in 1987.

A strong advocate for Law Enforcement, Bill is a 24 year member of the Smith County Peace Officers Association and has been recognized by Smith County Victims Services for “outstanding service to victims of crime.” He was a charter member of the Cotton Belt Rail Historical Society, serving on its Board of Directors for several years, a Past President of the Carnegie History Center Museum, and has served on the Smith County Historical Commission. Bill actively celebrates his own family history, his Scottish Highlands heritage, through membership in the International Association of Clan MacInnes. Bill is very proud that a poem he authored commemorating the rebirth of the Clan Castle in the Highlands of Scotland now hangs in the Great Hall of Kinlochaline Castle. And yes, just in case you’re wondering, he occasionally wears his Kilt!

Bill is a Past Master of Tyler Masonic Lodge and was the Regional Public Relations Officer for Smith County Masons for twelve years. He also served the Masons of Smith County in 2002 as District Deputy Grand Master. Bill has also been a volunteer with the Operation Lifesaver Railroad Grade Crossing Safety Program for many years.

Bill is married to the former Lynn Rae Matthews of Troup. They have two Daughters and one Granddaughter. Bill and Lynn are longtime volunteers in Therapet, a non-profit organization that utilizes Dogs, Cats and other animals in Animal Assisted Therapy. The group regularly visits area hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and hospices to bring the healing powers of animals to those in need. Their French Bulldog, “Jake” is a Therapet and also holds a title in Rally Obedience.

Bill and Lynn are very proud members of Christ Episcopal Church in Tyler.

Bill’s other interests include writing, ancient history, biblical archeology, travel, and riding his Harley-Davidson.