Dr. William Phillip Guthrie, 90, passed away April 3, 2026, in Benton, Arkansas. He was born in St. Louis Missouri on October 26, 1935, to the late Eva and Walker Guthrie. In addition to his parents, Phil was preceded in death by his sister Lynn Tomlinson, Brother-in-Law Charles Daniels, and his daughter Leigh Carol Overbey.
He graduated from Marshal High School in 1953, Hendrix College in 1957, University of Kansas City (School of Dentistry) in 1961. He became the first dentist in Bryant in the mid 1960's.
He married Patricia June Guthrie on August 31, 1957. They were happily married 68 years.
He became the first dentist in Bryant in the mid 1960's and practiced till he retired in the mid 1990's. He also retired from the Arkansas National Guard in the mid 1990's. He was very into playing sports such as Basketball and Tennis. He also enjoyed floating the Buffalo River, fishing, and quail hunting, among other hobbies such as painting. As he got older, he enjoyed telling everyone that he was the original "Dr. Phil".
Those left to cherish Phil’s memory include his beloved wife, Pat Guthrie; son, Brad Guthrie; sister, Sharon Daniel; granddaughter, Daphne Overbey; son-in-law, John Overbey; as well as various nieces and nephew who loved him dearly.
Visitation will be held on Sunday April 19, 2026, at 1:00PM at the Bryant First Methodist Church, at 508 North Reynolds Rd, Bryant, AR. A memorial service will take place immediately following the service, also at the church. All friends and family are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Phil’s name to the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine in Little Rock, the Bryant Museum of History, or to a charity of your choice. Information on how to reach these organizations can be found below.
