CEDAR POINT  -  Elbert "Austin" Guthrie, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and a cornerstone of the Cedar Point community, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Saturday June 7, 2025.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at  Swansboro United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Methodist Church Cemetery in Bogue.

Born to Elbert and Gladys Guthrie in Bogue, NC on September 20, 1930, Austin's life was a testament to dedication, hard work, and the spirit of entrepreneurship. Austin's journey began in Bogue then Cedar Point, where he was the son of a fisherman, farmer, and merchant. His early years were spent following the old gray mule, which instilled in him a strong work ethic and a desire for a better life. After graduating from Swansboro High School in 1947 and serving two years in the Army, he pursued his passion for electronics at Coyne Electric in Chicago, using his GI Bill to further his education.

In 1958, Austin married his childhood sweetheart, Janet Odham, and together they built a thriving family, welcoming three children: Darlene, Buddy, and Janel. The couple shared a deep-rooted connection to the Cedar Point and Swansboro communities, with families that had been intertwined for generations.

Austin's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish several successful businesses, including Sound Electronics, Sound Furniture and Appliance, Sound Ace Hardware and EA Guthrie Rentals. His work not only provided for his family but also strengthened the local economy and fostered relationships with customers who became friends. Austin was known for his willingness to take chances, always looking ahead and encouraging his children to do the same.

Despite facing health challenges, including a battle with Guillain-Barre syndrome, Austin remained active in his businesses and the community. He served as the first mayor of Cedar Point following its incorporation in 1988, leaving a lasting impact on the town he loved.

Austin was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert and Gladys Guthrie; brothers, Alton "Aggie" Guthrie, David Vann Guthrie, James "Jimmy" Dalton Guthie; loving wife, Janet Odham Guthrie; daughter, Darlene Chloe Guthrie Bell; and great-grandchild, Lydia Joy Morris.

He is survived by his children;  EA  Buddy Jr.  and Patti Guthrie, Janel and John White Jr. all of Cedar Point, son-in-law, Alan Bell of Swansboro; grandchildren: Derrick Alan Bell (Brittany), Brittany Guthrie Bell, Mallori Guthrie Morris (Samuel),  Dana Morgan Guthrie, Drew Austin Guthrie (Makenna), Jordan Guthrie White (Madison), Jeremy Guthrie White (Hayley), and JonAustin Guthrie White; great grandchildren, Kellan Hazel, Luke, Benjamin and Mattie; and sisters, Faye Aman of Cedar Point and Judy Bishop of Peletier. He took great pride in seeing his family carry on the legacy of hard work and dedication to the family business.

The family wishes to thank his many caregivers for their wonderful loving care and support throughout the years. You were a valued extension of the family.

The family will receive friends Friday eveing from 6-8 PM at Jones Funeral Home, Swansboro Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Adam's Closet in care of Swansboro Rotary Foundation.

Austin Guthrie's legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the community he helped build. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.