Willie Guy

With a twinkle in his eye and a hat to match every outfit, Willie Ed "Red" Guy, the charismatic and adventurous life of the party, passed away on September 1, 2026. Born in Charlotte, NC on July 16, 1947, Red, as he was fondly known, painted the town in every hue during his 79 years. His sense of fashion was as vibrant as his personality, with no color left untouched and every outfit thoughtfully coordinated - from his shoes to his hat. He was a man who knew how to make an entrance, and his exit from this world will leave it a little less colorful.

Red spent most of his career in shipping and receiving at Carolinas Medical Center, retiring in 2010. But it was his post-retirement gig as an Uber and Lyft driver that truly showcased his adventurous spirit. Like the quote by Saint Augustine, "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page," Red embraced the opportunity to meet new people and explore new places, all from the comfort of his car. He was also a dedicated bowler and a lifelong member of the Class of 1965 West Charlotte Lions. Red's love for his grandkids was unparalleled, and although he admitted to not being the best father, his devotion to his family was evident in the strong bonds he tried to forged with his grandchildren.

Red is survived by his wife, Jo-Ann Harris Guy, his mother, Beatrice Reid, and his children Willie Guy Jr, Tessima Guy, and Michelle Osborne. He was preceded in death by his sons Vincent Sr. and Trenton Sr., grandchildren John Kempson, Trenton Jr, Vincent Jr, Danshelle Guy, and his daughter Nicole Osborne.

A memorial service will be held at Magnolia Funeral and Cremation Services, 11240 E. Independence Blvd, Matthews, North Carolina, 28105 on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 11:00am EDT.

In memory of our charismatic and adventurous Red, we encourage you to leave your favorite stories, memories, and photos on his memorial page. Let's celebrate Red's life and the joy he brought to each of us by sharing our most cherished memories of him.