Garry Edwards Guffey spent decades working the warehouse floors of the City of Concord, getting to know every corner of the operation and building a quiet reputation as someone who knew his domain better than anyone else. Born in Rutherford County on December 14, 1945, to the late Jack Edwards Guffey and Margaret Louise Heffner Guffey, he grew up with a steady work ethic that carried him through jobs at Associated Grocery, Stevens Produce, and eventually the city warehouse where he stayed until retirement, Legacy reported.
He passed away on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the age of 80 at Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis, according to details shared by Hartsell Funeral Home.
For those who worked alongside him, Guffey was more than just a colleague. He forged lasting friendships in the warehouses and municipal yards where he spent his working life, relying on a practical familiarity with logistics and inventory that kept local operations running smoothly. Away from the job, his world centered around simple routines. He was happiest at home, sitting in his favorite chair, watching western movies, and enjoying a plate of barbecue.
An avid outdoorsman, Guffey loved shooting and hunting. Yet his most constant companion was his dog, Bogart. He also maintained a steady rhythm of connection with his family, often spending hours talking on the phone with relatives. Every single one of those conversations with his daughter ended with the exact same familiar phrase: Love you, Bye.
Guffey was preceded in death by his wife, Janice Harklerode Guffey; his son, Shawn Edwards Guffey; and his sister, Carolyn Diane Linker. He is survived by his daughter, Jennie Guffey Moran, and her husband, Gary; his son, Allen Hardin, and his wife, Lori; his sister, Margaret Annette Guffey; and a large extended family that includes grandchildren Brett Edwards Guffey, Hannah Cruse Ellis and her husband Lonnie, Bailey Cruse, Madison Cruse, Lisa Conner, Angie Hardin, Josie Hardin Staford, alongside eight great-grandchildren.
Family and friends will gather to remember him on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, with visitation scheduled from 1:00 to 1:45 pm at Hartsell Funeral Home in Concord. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm in the Hartsell Funeral Home Concord Chapel, officiated by Pastor William Willard. Burial will take place afterward at Carolina Memorial Park in Kannapolis, located near Highway 29 North at Interstate 85, Exit 58.
Online condolences can be directed to the family through the Hartsell Funeral Home website, which is handling the arrangements.
