John Henry Guy IV

1945 - 2025

John Henry Guy IV

February 27, 1945 - July 3, 2025

John Henry Guy IV, loving husband of 56 years to his wife, Perry Sinnickson Guy, passed away on July 3, 2025. Known as Johnny to his friends and family, he was born in Richmond, Virginia, on February 27, 1945, to John Henry Guy Jr. and Frances Archer Claiborne Guy. He was a graduate of St. Christopher's School and the University of Virginia. He was a long-time resident of Alexandria, Va., living there for most of his professional career until moving to his river house in Hartfield, Va., in 2021. He worked for over five decades at the National Petroleum Council, a federally chartered and privately funded advisory committee to the U.S. Secretary of Energy, in Washington, D.C., serving as Deputy Executive Director and Director of Committee Operations. In these roles, he oversaw the production of countless influential reports on U.S. and global energy policy, helping shape national conversations around energy conservation, oil and gas resources, environmental responsibility and emergency preparedness.

Johnny's deep passion for history and architecture was clearly reflected in his lifelong dedication to historic preservation. His leadership at Preservation Virginia, our nation's oldest statewide preservation organization, was especially impactful. As a past President and a devoted member of the Board of Trustees until his passing, he played a vital role in advancing the organization's mission and fulfilling responsibilities for Historic Jamestown and statewide operations.

Equally noteworthy was his steadfast commitment to the Menokin Foundation. Serving as Treasurer and Vice President of the Board of Trustees, he provided invaluable guidance in preserving the legacy of Menokin, the historic home of Francis Lightfoot Lee, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Johnny was a member of the Society Of The Cincinnati, Preservation Virginia, the Virginia Historical Society, Historic Alexandria Foundation, the Frank Horton Society of the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, the Regent's Circle of Mount Vernon, the Anglers' Club of New York, the Old Dominion Boat Club, Fishing Bay Yacht Club in Deltaville, VA, Belle Haven Country Club, Farmington Country Club, Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity at the University of Virginia, and St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Va.

Johnny is remembered for his deep Virginia roots, his love of history, his collection of fine Parker Bros. double-barrel shotguns, hunting upland game and waterfowl, fly-fishing, offshore sailboat racing, his passion for building homes, traveling, and his unwavering belief in the importance of preserving the past for future generations.

Johnny is also survived by his son William Carrington Guy II and daughter-in-law Catherine Williams Guy of Charlottesville, Va., and their children, August and Frances; and son Claiborne Sinnickson Guy and daughter-in-law Sarah Stockdale Guy of Alexandria, Va., and their children, Rachel and Catherine. He is also survived by two sisters, Elizabeth Guy Richardson and Archer Guy Minardi.

His legacy lives on in the institutions he helped strengthen, his many accomplishments, his kindness and the countless lives he touched through his work and friendship. He will be deeply missed.

There will be a memorial service on Tuesday, August 26th, at Hollywood Cemetery, 412 South Cherry Street, Richmond, Va. 23220, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Preservation Virginia or the Menokin Foundation.

Bliley's Funeral Home