Guy Allan Cuddihee

Guy Allan Cuddihee, CEO of Beaches Habitat for Humanity, who helped raise millions for local charities, left planet earth for heaven on November 14 after a brief illneshttps://admin.mem.com/sso/newde/8926854#keepsake/registerbooks.

Cuddihee passed away at the Community Hospice Earl B. Hadlow Center for Caring. He had been diagnosed with glioblastoma in March and fought the disease bravely with grit and determination.

Guy was described by some as the unofficial mayor of Jacksonville, a bon vivant whose dry wit, the gift of storytelling and infectious laugh could raise the roof. He left behind beloved family members and countless friends who experienced his gracious generosity, enduring friendship, and kind heart. Guy was celebrated at his favorite restaurant, Toscana Little Italy, on August 4 to celebrate his 60th birthday.

Guy was an unmistakably bright light who never met a stranger and always focused on giving to others. He lived his life convinced that the world opened its doors for him just as he opened his heart toward others. He learned early on his God-given superpower was the ability to connect with people — and connecting people to people for a purpose. He made great use of what God entrusted to him.

“Guy followed in his Savior’s footsteps all his life. Love was the great teacher, and he mirrored those steps without fail for every person he ever met,” said Trudy Harris lifelong friend of 36 years and Hospice nurse to Guy’s father, mother, and brother. “Guy is someone I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

Guy’s most gratifying accomplishment was helping to raise his niece, Sabrina Cuddihee, after the death of his brother, Gil. He was also a father figure to Sabrina and her two sons, Cliff and Rudy.

Guy’s entrance into the world of work started as a teenager when he worked at Kay Jewelers at Regency Square Mall for his father, Robert, who was store manager. He then got a job at the former Furchgott’s Department Store and later Deerwood Bootery selling shoes to Jacksonville’s most fashionable and well-connected women. This season in his life launched his vast network of connections he would later draw on in his fundraising and professional life.

His career path also included positions with Wayne Mello Associates; national business development director and director of business development for The CSI Companies; vice president of ATS Services, Inc; and managing director and regional manager of MPS Group, now Adecco Group.

In the late 1980s, Guy took on a role as a servant leader in the non-profit world as a founding member of the young professional group, Esprit de Corps, raising more than a million dollars for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and later a million more for Hospice Northeast.

He said at the time that he recognized the essential thing in life was to give back in time and talent to his community, its people, and non-profit organizations. He gave lavishly. His numerous volunteer leadership and board member commitments include Board of Governors and Trustee of JAXUSA; Chairman of the Board for North Florida School of Special Education; Volunteers in Medicine; Art with a Heart; Bairfind; Capital Campaign Leader for Community Hospice; San Marco Rotary, Big Brothers, Big Sisters; National MS Society; Junior Achievement; Esprit d Corps; Jacksonville Marine Institute; and the Governing Board of Members for Epping Forest Yacht and Country Club.

He was a graduate of Leadership Jacksonville in 1996 and received an associate of science degree in Business Administration at Florida State College at Jacksonville in 1979. He also acquired certificates in the Dale Carnegie Public Speaking Course and Dimensions of Professional Selling.

Guy was born on August 7, 1959, in Washington, D.C. His family moved to Jacksonville in 1963, and he attended Beauclerc Elementary, Dupont Middle School, and Wolfson High School, graduating in the Class of 1977. He earned the coveted Eagle Scout rank as a Boy Scout in Troop 184. He was a member of St. Philip Neri Ecumenical Church.

He is preceded in death by his father Robert J. Cuddihee; his mother, Dorothy (Dot); and his brother Gil. Guy is survived by his niece Sabrina Cuddihee and nephews Cliff and Rudy; and his cousin Ann Cuddihee Walls. He leaves behind his dog Rocky.

A memorial celebration of Guy’s life with Bishop John Oliver officiating will be on Friday, November 22, at 2 p.m. at Lakewood Presbyterian Church, 2001 University Blvd. West.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Palliative Care at Community Hospice Northeast Florida, the North Florida School of Special Education, or St. Philip Neri Animal Ministry, Clarke School for Hearing and Speech.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville 904-737-7171.