Richard Guinn Obituary

Richard Truitt Guinn, 83, entered his heavenly rest on November 1, 2025, at the home he shared with his wife, Cecelia, and their loyal companion and pet, Daisy.
Born in Greenville, South Carolina, to James and Edith Guinn, Richard spent his early years as an only child until 17-but he was never lonely. A host of cousins were like brothers and sisters to him. A natural athlete, he played point guard for Parker High School. He also played football, and competed in the Southern Textile Basketball Tournament. In adulthood, he played golf nearly every weekend he was able, and, as with most things he tried, made it look easy.
Richard grew up at Tremont Avenue Church of God, and remained a member throughout his life. In later years, he attended Praise Cathedral, where he fittingly sat in the Tremont Avenue section among lifelong friends he loved and grew old with.
Anyone who knew Richard knew his work ethic. He spent his entire career at Cryovac (later Sealed Air). He knew the product inside and out, and his problem-solving talent sent him across five continents throughout his career. As a longtime friend and colleague said upon hearing of his passing:
"I so admired his friendship, professional approach at work, sense of humor, love of family, creativity, and-most of all-his integrity. Everywhere Richard went, he earned admiration and respect throughout the world."
When he wasn't traveling or on the job, Richard was most likely in his yard. Neighbors knew his lawn and gardens as some of the most beautiful around-it was his refuge and therapy. After retiring, he happily put in "full-time plus overtime" among the azaleas and vegetables.
Richard was a devoted family man. He and Cecelia met on a blind date in 1962 and married just a few months later, sharing 64 years of love, shared goals, and easy laughter. He was the proud father of a son, Richard "Ricky," and a daughter, Greta. His children remember him teaching them to throw football, shoot baskets, and play games in the yard and at the park; weekends in the mountains and picnics; fishing, and annual beach trips. As "Papa Richard," he delighted in his grandchildren, Todd, Tyler, Taylor, and Vincent, where they spent many weekends, summer vacations, spring breaks, and holidays at his lake house being pulled around on inner tubes, riding jet skis, fishing, swimming and grilling out.
Richard's life can be summed up in two words: Integrity and Love. What you saw was who he was, and he loved his family more than anything in this world. This was evident in the way he cared so deeply and was so devoted to his wife after she had a stroke in 2022 and a serious accident in August of this year. He became an amazing cook, although he would disagree because of his constant humility. Cecelia especially loved his Vegetable Soup and cornbread and his homemade biscuits he made her every morning.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Edith; his son, Richard "Ricky"; and his son-in- law, Michael. He is survived by his wife, Cecelia; his daughter, Greta, his son-in law Adam; his cherished grandsons Todd, Tyler (Paige), Taylor, and Vincent; his brother, James "Jim"; nephews Ryan, Austin, Landon, and Brent; and a large extended family of cousins, neighbors, and friends.
The family offers special thanks to Tony and Crystal Pruitt and to the many Willow Creek neighbors for their faithful help and love, especially in recent years.
A private graveside service will be held this week but a Celebration of Life will take place in early 2026.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Restavek Freedom (please designate gifts in memory of Richard Guinn), or St. Jude’s Hospital.
Any correspondence and cards for the family may be sent to the care of Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown, 639 N. Main Street, Greenville, SC 29601.
Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Richard with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory."