William Joe Guthrie

In the late summer of 1947, Bill was spotted at a baseball tournament by a scout who told Bill that he exhibited strong potential for playing professional baseball. The scout promised to be in touch with him. Bill later signed a contract the next week with the Brooklyn Dodgers Farm Club. He had a short stint in the Roswell, NM baseball league, but the just storms were so bad there that he had a difficult time breathing because of his asthma. His contract was sold and Bill moved to the Rio Grande Valley in 1950 to join the Harlingen Capitals Baseball team.

Bill’s love of sports perfectly suited him for sporting goods sales and in the off season, he went to work for Bob Youker at the Sportsman.

Bill loved the Valley and remained in Harlingen for the rest of his life.

In 1981, Bill left the Sportsman to start his own business. With the help of Susie and their son, Scott, Bill Guthrie Sports became extremely successful serving all of South Texas until the business was sold in 2012.

Our precious Daddy and Granddaddy, the patriarch of our family went to join our beautiful mother in heaven on March 23, 2019.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 happy years, Susie Guthrie, his parents, Jum and Gladys Guthrie, his sister, Juanelle Hagler and Brother in Law Glenn, other Brother in Laws Bob Owen, Howard

Simpson, Tommy Morris and Parents in Law Johnny and Sue Twinn.

He is survived by daughter Gayle Guthrie (Pat) Jackson of San Marcos, Sons, Jimmy Guthrie (Tim Ransem) of Austin, and Scott (Michele) Guthrie of Austin. Grandchildren Guthrie (Amanda) Jackson of Hobbs, NM, Conleigh Jackson, Reagan (Brad) Crockett, and Harrison Guthrie, all of Austin. He is also survived by sisters June Jenkins and Sallie Morris of Houston, and Brother, Larry (Jody) Guthrie of Bentonville, AR. William also leaves behind dear nieces and nephews, and numerous friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday morning at 11:00 AM at Heavenly Grace Funeral Home in La Feria.

Memorials may be made to the Harlingen Area Boys and Girls Club.