Phyllis and Kerry McGuinn

Kerry Chadwick McGuinn joined the love of his life, Phyllis, in Heaven on January 3, 2024. Kerry was born in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina on July 8, 1935. He grew up in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and had many adventures on the family farm as a young man. He played football in high school and shortly after graduation, he was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War. While stationed at Fort Eustis near Williamsburg, Virginia, he met his beloved wife, Phyllis, who was attending William and Mary College. Phyllis was from an Italian family in Queens Village, New York, and Kerry soon loved all things Italian, not the least of which was Phyllis’ cooking. They were married in 1956 at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in Queens, New York, and had an enduring love for nearly seven decades.

Shortly after the wedding, Kerry and Phyllis moved to Raleigh, North Carolina so that Kerry could attend NC State University. He juggled classes, work, and the birth of his daughter, Maggie, while in Raleigh and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He moved to various places with his family, living in Garden City, NY, Bryn Mawr, PA (where his son was born), and Windsor Locks, CT before moving back to the South and settling in Atlanta for many years. He specialized in the design and maintenance of elevators. One of his first jobs in engineering was at the Chrysler Building in Manhattan. He continued with stints at the Hayden Planetarium and World Trade Center before eventually working for many years for the federal government in Atlanta. Although Kerry was able to work at many exciting jobs in his career, the job most important to him was that of being a father. He never missed one of his daughter’s gymnastics practices, staying many a night at the gym until late hours, and coached his son in soccer.

A big part of Kerry’s life was lending a hand to his many friends and family, as well as strangers. He loved to work with tools and fix all sorts of odds and ends around the house. He enjoyed working on old cars and had a passion for Alfa Romeos. His favorite haunts included The Varsity in Atlanta, Fulton County Stadium any time the Braves were playing, and Lido Beach in Sarasota. He spent many days in Florida on family trips snorkeling, playing tennis, and enjoying the beach. He was even known for an occasional roller coaster ride and cruise around the go-cart track with the grandkids, as well as spending afternoons at Build-A-Bear.

In later years when Kerry and Phyllis moved to Tampa to be closer to family, he loved fishing on the dock, watching any and all sports events on ESPN, and spending time with his grandchildren (including his favorite Frenchie, Charlie). He will be remembered by all who knew him for his calm nature, sweet disposition, endlessly optimistic outlook, and appreciation of the simple things in life. He always put his family first. He adored spending time with Phyllis and was always by her side telling her how much he loved her.

Kerry is survived by his daughter Marguerite "Maggie" (Bill) Carson (Tampa), son Kerry "Woody" Chadwick McGuinn, Jr. (Tampa), brother Col. Michael Edward McGuinn, III (McKinney, TX), sister Patricia Oxley (Spartanburg, SC) and grandchildren William George (Britt) Carson, III (San Diego, CA), Kerry Lynn Carson (Tampa), and Paige LeighAnn McGuinn (Tampa). He was predeceased by his wife Phyllis Perrini McGuinn, his mother Margaret Cadelia Shackelford (Spartanburg), father Michael Edward McGuinn, Jr. (Spartanburg), and sister Gail Murray (Rock Hill, SC).

Kerry’s family would like to show gratitude for all of the support that both he and Phyllis received over the past few years during challenging times, especially from Dr. Bill and all of the other doctors, nurses, and caretakers. A special thanks goes out to Dory Johnson, Judy Davis, Kim Rogers, and Evelyn Closiel for providing support to Kerry up through his last days.

A celebration of Kerry and Phyllis’ lives and love is planned for Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 11:00 am at Blount and Curry Life Event Center MacDill Chapel located at 605 S. MacDill Avenue, Tampa, FL 33609, (813) 876-2421. Fr. Sal Stefula, T.O.R., St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tampa will be leading the memorial service. Family and friends are welcome.