Guinn “Mole” Leverett, Jr., IM 64, of Belhaven, North Carolina, on March 11. Leverett was a modern-day Renaissance man whose diverse passions and accomplishments left an indelible mark on all who knew him. After graduating from Pike County High School as valedictorian in 1960, he was awarded a full Navy ROTC scholarship to continue his academic journey at Georgia Tech, where he served as the editor of the Technique. Leverett proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1964 to 1970 as a supply corps lieutenant.
Leverett earned a Master of Business Administration from Harvard University, preparing him for his future as a lifelong entrepreneur in the cable television industry. He founded Belhaven Cable TV, Hyde County Cablevision, and Ocracoke Cable TV. As technology advanced, so did Leverett’s passion for bringing cutting-edge technology to the small town that he loved. In 1997, while earning his doctorate in business at California Pacific University, he established Internet of Beaufort, Albemarle, and Ocracoke.
In 2000, he pivoted to the retail business, purchasing and helping diversify Riddick & Windley ACE Hardware, which remains the family business to this day. Leverett served as the town manager of Belhaven for seven years and was instrumental in many community projects, including the Breakwater Project and celebrating Belhaven as the birthplace of the Intracoastal Waterway. He was a passionate chef, gardener, bird watcher, sports enthusiast, poet, history buff, classical music lover, and prankster. Leverett bravely faced his Alzheimer’s progression, finding joy in porch visits with family and friends.
Leverett remained a devoted husband to his wife of 44 years, Corki, whom he affectionately called Fluffi. His title of “Grandad” brought him great pride, and he dedicated himself to creating moments filled with learning, love, laughter, and games of “gotcha” with them. He is survived by his wife, Corliss Jeanne, daughter, Cybele Leverett (Christopher Benson), stepson, Trey Johnson (Laurie), stepson, Ben Johnson (Amy), six grandchildren, sister-in-law, Pam Darnall Loftis (Dave), brother, Phil Leverett (Sandy), and several nieces and nephews.