Last Updated on November 12, 2026 2:22 pm
Mark Albert McGuinn, a Greensboro native who played soccer at Appalachian State University before becoming a Nashville recording artist, has died at age 58.
McGuinn died Oct. 26, 2026, according to his obituary. He was born Aug. 19, 1968, to Jack and Eleanor McGuinn.
Soccer at Grimsley and App State
McGuinn attended Grimsley High School in Greensboro, where he played soccer and was a member of the jazz band. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Appalachian State, where he played midfielder for the Mountaineers.
After graduation, he returned home and briefly played for the Greensboro Dynamo professional soccer team, according to the obituary.
Nashville and “Mrs. Steven Rudy”
An injury ended his soccer career and led him to Nashville, Tennessee, where he pursued songwriting alongside lifelong friend Bill Davidson. A last-minute addition to a demo session led to a recording deal with VFR Records.
The obituary states his 2001 debut single, “Mrs. Steven Rudy,” became the first Top 10 country hit by a new independent-label artist in more than 40 years, and that his self-titled debut album also set records for an independent-label release.
Survivors and services
McGuinn is survived by his children, Ella Rose McGuinn and Charles “Charlie” Philip McGuinn; his mother, Eleanor T. McGuinn; his sister, Terri McGuinn Thomas; and his brothers, Jack Hamilton McGuinn Jr., Scott Thomas McGuinn and Kirk Alan McGuinn. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Hamilton McGuinn Sr.
A celebration of his life was held Sunday, Nov. 8, at Christ United Methodist Church in Greensboro. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the MusiCares Foundation and/or Christ United Methodist Church.
Obituary
Mark Albert McGuinn, 58, of Greensboro, NC, passed away on October 26, 2026. He was born on August 19, 1968, to Jack and Eleanor McGuinn.
Mark grew up alongside his three brothers and sister in Greensboro, NC. The McGuinn household was always full of dirty cleats, laughter, music, and, most importantly, unconditional love.
Mark carried that spirit throughout his life and was known for his kindness, creativity, easygoing nature, and seemingly unlimited capacity for love and acceptance.
Mark attended Grimsley High School, where he played on the soccer team and was a member of the jazz band. Playing the trumpet further sparked his love of music, and notes of jazz can be heard throughout his musical catalog.
He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Appalachian State University, where he played midfielder for the Mountaineers. His teammates often spoke of his uncanny ability to play effortlessly while maintaining remarkable control of the game. After graduation, he returned home and briefly played for the Greensboro Dynamo professional soccer team.
An unfortunate but serendipitous injury ended his soccer career and led him to Nashville, TN, guitar in hand, alongside his lifelong friend, Bill Davidson.
During his time in Nashville, Mark was fortunate to be surrounded by a unique circle of songwriters who shared their knowledge, wisdom, and craft, lessons he carried with him throughout his life.
A last-minute addition to a demo session would prove life-changing, leading to a recording deal with VFR Records. In 2001, Mark made country music history when his debut single, “Mrs. Steven Rudy,” became the first Top 10 country hit by a new independent-label artist in more than 40 years. His self-titled debut album also set records for an independent-label release, proving that independent artists could break through to country radio. With his distinctive sound and unconventional style, Mark challenged the traditions of country music and helped pave the way for independent artists who followed.
During his Nashville years, Mark married and welcomed two beautiful children, who became the greatest blessings of his life and a source of enduring love and pride.
Life brought Mark his share of personal challenges, but his love for Ella Rose and Charlie never wavered. His devotion to them remained constant. Above all his accomplishments, his greatest legacy will always be his children.
Mark was preceded in death by his father, Jack Hamilton McGuinn, Sr. He is survived by his mother, Eleanor T. McGuinn, of Greensboro, NC; his children, Ella Rose McGuinn and Charles (Charlie) Philip McGuinn, and their mother, Dr. Stacey M. McGuinn, of Nashville, TN; his sister, Terri McGuinn Thomas (Marty), of Greensboro, NC; and his brothers, Jack Hamilton McGuinn, Jr. (Julie), of Jamestown, NC; Scott Thomas McGuinn (Diane), of Raleigh, NC; and Kirk Alan McGuinn (Lisa), of Raleigh, NC. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of Mark’s life will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, 410 N. Holden Rd., Greensboro, NC, in the church sanctuary.
Mark’s family would like to extend a special thank-you to all of his friends for their love, support, and friendship.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the MusiCares Foundation, which provides health and human services to music professionals in need and/or to Christ United Methodist Church. Donations may be made using the mailing and online addresses below:
MusiCares Foundation
Attn: Development
3030 Olympic Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Or online: https://donor.musicares.org
Christ United Methodist Church
410 N. Holden Rd.
Greensboro, NC 27410
