Dr. Guinn Osborne Leverett, Jr.

Published 10:45 am Thursday, March 20, 2025

Dr. Guinn Osborne Leverett, Jr., 82, of Belhaven, North Carolina passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, with his loving wife, Corki, by his side.  Born on September 22, 1942 in Griffin, GA, Guinn was a modern-day Renaissance man whose diverse passions and accomplishments left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

After graduating from Pike County High School as valedictorian in 1960, Guinn was awarded a full Navy ROTC scholarship to continue his academic journey at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he served as the editor of The Technique. After receiving his undergraduate degree in Industrial Management, Guinn proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1964-1970 as a Supply Corps Lieutenant.

Guinn’s quest for knowledge led him to Harvard University, where he earned a Master of Business Administration, preparing him for his future as a lifelong entrepreneur in the Cable television industry. He served as General Manager for several cable and communications companies throughout the years from California to Florida before settling in Belhaven in 1982. He founded Belhaven Cable TV, Hyde County Cablevision and Ocracoke Cable TV.  As technology advanced, so did Guinn’s passion for bringing cutting edge technology to the small town he loved. In 1997, Internet of Beaufort, Albemarle and Ocracoke were born all while he completed his Doctorate of Business at California Pacific University.

In 2000, Guinn’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to pivot away from technology and delve into the retail business.  He purchased and helped diversify Riddick & Windley ACE Hardware, which remains the family business to this day.

In 2008, Guinn reinvented himself yet again as he stepped away from the family business and served as the Town Manager of Belhaven for seven years.  He was instrumental in many community projects during his service for the Town including the Breakwater Project and celebrating Belhaven as the birthplace of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Guinn was a passionate chef, gardener, bird watcher, sports enthusiast, poet, history buff, classical music lover, and prankster. In his latter years, as Guinn bravely faced his Alzheimer’s progression, he never lost his passion for life, nature, music and people. He found the most joy in porch visits with family and friends and exuberant porch waving to greet any person or animal passing by.

Above all, Guinn remained a devoted husband to his wife of 44 years, Corki, whom he affectionately called Fluffi. His title of “Grandad” brought him great pride and he dedicated himself to creating moments filled with learning, love, laughter, and games of “gotcha” with them. He will be remembered most as an eccentric who never tired of learning, teaching and imparting his vast and random knowledge to all who knew him.

Guinn is survived by his wife, Corliss Jeanne; daughter, Cybele Leverett (Christopher Benson); grandchildren, Will and Fisher; stepson, Trey Johnson (Laurie); granddaughter, Madison and stepson, Ben Johnson (Amy); grandchildren, Griffin, Piper & Beckett.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Pam Darnall Loftis (Dave); brother, Phil Leverett (Sandy) and several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude for the amazing caregivers who became like family.  A special thank you with love to “his girl” Blanca Garcia, Donna Davenport of Southern Girls Home Health Care, Gentiva Hospice Care, Beverly Slade, Sonya Hopkins and countless friends and family who helped support us in various ways through Guinn’s journey.  You are all truly angels on Earth.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 2pm at St. James Episcopal Church in Belhaven. A reception will follow. The family will receive friends in the home located at 403 East Water Street, Belhaven at other times.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the memorial scholarship fund created in Guinn’s honor for a deserving Northside High School Senior.  Dr. Guinn Leverett Scholarship Fund, Post Office Box 8, Belhaven, NC 27810.