Charles Russell McInnis

Dr. Charles Russell McInnis, a long-time resident of Shreveport, Louisiana, was born on November 30, 1933, in Hornbeck, Louisiana to the late Mack and Lois Franklin McInnis. He went to be with our Lord and Savior on January 5, 2021, following a two month battle with Melanoma. He passed away at his second home in Sevierville, Tennessee surrounded by his loving family. Russell graduated from Hornbeck High School in 1951. From there, he went to Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. He graduated in 1955 with a degree in Biology. After graduation, he married the love of his life, Virginia (Googie) Allen in September of 1955. They moved to Dallas, Texas and where he enrolled in Baylor Dental School. He graduated from Baylor in 1959 with his Doctor of Dentistry degree. He was then commissioned in the United States Army at the rank of Captain where he served his country for two years. Being honorably discharged from the Army, he and his family moved to Shreveport, Louisiana where he began his career as a dentist. Russell or Dr. Mac, as he was affectionately called, served as a dentist for 52 years. Though he was based in the Southern Hills area of Shreveport, his patients came from all over the region; even driving as far as two hours for appointments. He was so beloved by his patients because of his gentle touch and compassion to all he healed. Patients also adored him because he would work to fit their schedules. It was routine for him to be at the office before daylight or late in the evening to fix a hurting tooth. After his retirement in 2013, he and Virginia bought a second home in Sevierville, Tennessee and spent much of the year there. They enjoyed the beautiful Smokey Mountains and the good music of the region. Though Dr. Mac loved being a dentist, it was his passion for motorcycles that so many will fondly remember him. There was nothing that could quicken his pulse faster than the roar of a Harley engine. He said many times that was one of his most favorite sounds in the world. He loved to ride with his motorcycle buddies both in Shreveport and in Sevierville, Tennessee. Along with his love for Harleys and going fast, he will be remembered for his piano playing. Those who visited his home were often serenaded with Russell tickling the ivories. If he wasn't playing his piano, then he was usually listening to his favorites such as Ray Charles and Dr. John. Russell was also an avid game player. He loved to play card games such as Bridge or Skip-Bo with his friends. Many afternoons and nights were spent in heated competition playing Skip-Bo with his brother Ponder. When Russell was not playing games, playing the piano, or working on teeth, he could be found having breakfast with his friends. He had two different groups of buddies that he dearly cherished. If he was in Shreveport, then he was with his Whataburger crew. If he was in Sevierville, then he and his friends could be found at Hardee's. Russell is leaving many fond memories to his family and friends, but his greatest legacy is his belief in Jesus Christ. Dr. Mac was a longtime Christian. Throughout his life, he was always active in his local church. At the time of his passing, he was a member of Shreveport Baptist Temple, but he also regularly attended the Open Range Fellowship, otherwise known as the Cowboy Church. Russell\'s biggest love, aside from his love of Christ, was his family. He and Virginia were married for 65 years. Dr. Mac was able to share his passions with his children. His daughter Renee\', became a dentist and joined him in his dental practice where they were able to work alongside each other every day. His son, Bud, loves music, motorcycles, and going fast as much as he did. The two delights of his were his grandchildren Hunter and Kate. There was not a prouder grandpa or Pop in the world. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mack and Lois Franklin McInnis, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Sybil Allen. His memory will be cherished by his loving family; his wife, Virginia Allen McInnis of Shreveport, Louisiana; daughter, Renee\' McInnis Gauntlett, DDS and husband Bob of Dawsonville, Georgia; son, Russ (Bud) McInnis of Solana Beach, California; grandson, Hunter Gauntlett and wife Alison of Marietta, Georgia; granddaughter, Kate Gauntlett of Dawsonville, Georgia; brother, Ponder McInnis and wife Carol of Shreveport, Louisiana; nephew, Jason McInnis and wife Kim of Shreveport, Louisiana; great nieces, Emma Grace McInnis and Ainsley McInnis of Shreveport, Louisiana. A graveside celebration of life service will be held. Officiating the service will be his nephew, the Reverend Jason McInnis. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be made in Russell\'s memory to: St. Jude Children\'s Hospital Memorials, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105; www.stjude.org/give/memorial or American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 42040, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123-1718; www.cancer.org.