On Friday, August 23, 2024, Guss Mann Jr., 74, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and devoted wife, Cheryl, at Advent Health East Hospital. Guss made his grand entrance into the world to a cozy hospital in Belle Glade, FL on February 16, 1950; he was the oldest son of his sincerely faithful mother, Ms. Eddie Mae Mann.

Supported by his mother, Guss graduated with his high school diploma from Lake Shore Junior Senior High School, Belle Glade, FL. Upon completion of high school, Guss accepted the charge of his patriotic duty and joined the United States Marines Corps in 1968. He served as a rifleman for his platoon in Vietnam. Following the war, Guss was honorably discharged from his military service, but not before earning the following military accolades and recognitions: Purple Heart Medal with One Gold Star, Combat Action Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation and Rifle Marksmanship Badge of Honor.

Following his military career, Guss built a resilient spirit to pursue a career in agriculture for South Bay Growers company, which later became Taylor Farms. He also worked for the City of South Bay Parks and Recreation at Tanner Park. In 1998, Guss was given the opportunity to relocate to Orlando, FL, where he stayed and happily retired after 41 years of service at Taylor Farms.

With Christ being the center of Guss' life, he was a faithful member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in South Bay, FL under the leadership of Rev. Roosevelt Cooper. He later joined the St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Arthur Graham, Jr. residing. Guss served as the Chairman of the Deacon board for 14+ years of his church membership. He was the epitome of a child of God and accepted Christ into his life at an early age. It warmed his heart to be a great provider for his family, a giver of those in need, and an advocate for education. He was proud to make his charitable donations to the United Negro College fund. Guss chose to show God's love by unselfishly serving others with his heart and soul.

Guss also loved to travel to Georgia, indulge in some of his favorite foods, and savor a slice of caramel cake. Being a lifelong lover of sports, he coached and enjoyed playing softball. Although he was a loyal football fan of the Miami Dolphins and Miami Hurricanes; his true fandom was cheering on his children and grandchildren, being their number #1 supporter.

Guss is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Cherly Elaine Mann. His daughters: Sabrina (Kenneth) West, Sr., Arica (Alvin) Williams, Josette (Andre) Smith, and Geraldine Kawanna Mann. His sons: Julius (Helen) Mann and Bryan (Bre'Anna) Mann Sr.  His Siblings: Lula Mae Mann, Lottie Freeman, Eddie James Mann, Laverna (Richard) Kemp, and Andrew (Latoya) Mann. He also was blessed with the title of Grandpa with 13 beautiful grandkids and 15 great-grandkids. He also leaves a host of relatives and good friends.

Guss is preceded in death by his mother, Ms. Eddie Mae Mann and his sister, Mary (Robert) Preston.