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Guy Cuddihee
Guy Cuddihee, former CEO of Beaches Habitat for Humanity who helped raise millions for local charities, lost his battle with brain cancer Nov. 14. He retired in June following his diagnosis with glioblastoma in March.
Cuddihee leaves behind a legacy of service for the past three years through his dedicated work with Beaches Habitat and his commitment to affordable housing in the community. He served as president and CEO of Beaches Habitat for Humanity from September 2016 until he stepped down.
Friends said Cuddihee never met a stranger and always focused on giving to others. He possessed an ability to connect with people – and worked tirelessly to connect people with people for a purpose.
“Guy was a wonderful advocate for the Beaches Habitat mission and a wonderful boss,” said Jacksonville Beach City Councilor Sandy Golding, who previously worked with Cuddihee at Beaches Habitat for Humanity. “Our community has lost a bright light.”
Following his diagnosis, friends and colleagues rallied around to connect him with the resources to help navigate his illness. Following his example, Golding reached out to Dianne Fenton, who lost her husband Fred to glioblastoma in 2016 and established the Waves of Gray 5k Walk/Run in Jacksonville Beach to raise awareness. Fenton offered support and encouragement throughout his fight and Cuddihee participated in the Waves of Gray last May with his team “Guy’s Warriors.”
“Sandy actually reached out to me privately and asked if there was a way Guy could get ahold of me if he had questions so I gave her my cell phone number. I was shocked that he called me the very next day,” said Fenton, who met with him for dinner and continued to visit with him during his illness.
“I told him I would love to sit down and answer his questions and that I would answer them honestly. I don’t have an organization that can do a whole lot for people ,but if I can do something, I will.”
In the late 1980s, Cuddihee found his calling 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 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 through his numerous volunteer leadership and board member commitments, including 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 de 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 Junior College (now named Florida State College at Jacksonville) in 1979. He also acquired certificates in the Dale Carnegie Public Speaking Course and Dimensions of Professional Selling.
Cuddihee celebrated his 60th birthday Aug. 4 at his favorite restaurant, Toscana Little Italy. His Beaches Habitat for Humanity family dedicated their annual Beach Bash fund raiser to him in October at the Sawgrass Beach Club.
“He was just a wonderful person, just very giving and well-respected,” said Habitat’s Development Director Mary Anne Christensen. “Guy was very hands-on, he was very dedicated to the mission at Beaches Habitat. He loved the families and the staff. He will be missed.”