Curtis Lee Guinn's Obituary
Obituary
Curtis Lee Guinn was born July 20, 1936 in Grove Hill, Alabama. He was the youngest of 12 children born to the union of Ledester and Jack Guinn. His primary and high school education was in Grove Hill. He later earned an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration from Laney College in Oakland, CA. Curtis’ drive for greater opportunities led him to enlist in the US Navy in 1955, where he served as an Aviation Bosun’s Mate on the USS Shangri-La for 4 years. Following an honorable discharge in 1959, Curtis served an additional 4 years in the U.S. Naval Reserve.
Curtis met Anna Marie McKnight in 1955 in Oakland, CA while still enlisted in the Navy. The two married on November 16, 1957. They were blessed with six children and nine grandchildren. Curtis worked hard to provide for his family and emphasized the importance of a good education, forward thinking, hard work and sound money management. One of his favorite euphemisms often repeated to his children (and many others) was” If you don’t have a plan, you do in fact have a plan, and that plan is to fail.”
Curtis’ belief in hard work and lifelong learning is evident by his 37-year career with the State of CA, where he took an entry level job as a Janitor and through continuing education, diligence and a relentless work ethic, achieved the position of Building Manager – Real Property Manager for the Edmund G. Brown State office building located in San Francisco, CA. Curtis also worked 35 years for the County of Alameda, beginning as a Boiler Room Technician and retiring as a Stationary Engineer at Highland Hospital in Oakland, CA. Although he worked two full-time jobs, Curtis somehow found time to become a certified Real Property Manager with the Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI) International as well as earn a General Contractors License from the Contractors State License Board of California.
Although a hard worker, Curtis knew how to relax and have fun. He loved dressing up on the weekends and hitting the town in his prized Cadillac. He enjoyed football, bid whist, checkers and the soulful sounds of Bobby Blue Bland, B.B. King, Al Green, Sam Cooke, Curtis Mayfield, Bill Withers, Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Mary Wells and countless others. He also believed in traditions and initiated our family’s long standing annual Easter Egg Hunt; 4th of July Cook Outs and summer road trips to the amusement parks of Southern California. Curtis would oftentimes joke around with his children. One of his favorite games began with, “Let me show you how a mule eats corn”. The children would scatter screaming for they had already been taught that a mule doesn’t eat corn very gently.
Curtis’ ingenuity, creativity and strict work ethic was not only instilled in his children, but also demonstrated throughout his life by the numerous home and remodeling projects he beautifully transformed in his “spare” time. He believed in the value of home ownership and strongly encouraged his children, grandchildren and others to invest in real estate. Curtis’ life is an example of the tangible benefits to be gained from having a well thought out plan and the dedication, discipline, tenacity and diligence to see the plan through to fruition.
In the early 2000’s, Curtis answered the Lord’s calling, joining the International Faith Center in Oakland, CA where Derrick Fluker is pastor. He remained an active, contributing member of the church until his transition.
Known by many names; Dad, Honey, Pops, Mr. Guinn, Brother, Cousin, Uncle and Friend; Curtis was an inspiration and role model to many. He is survived by his wife Anna (Marie); children Ketha, Paula, Wanda, Calvin, Cutis Jr. and Anedra; Sons-in-Law Ajamu, and Michael; grandchildren, Ifetayo, Ayoka, Ashley, Curtis III, Jaren, Brandeja, Ajani, Michaela and Zindzi, his sisters Annie Daniels, Gaynette Pugh, and Susie Robinson, and a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
He Will Be Truly Missed
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