Guillermo Acevedo

Born on October 29, 1968 in San Antonio, Texas, Ace devoted his life to serving his country with honor, courage, and a deep sense of duty. Over the course of a remarkable 26-year military career, he earned the rank of Sergeant First Class, serving in some of the most distinguished and demanding roles the Army has to offer.

SFC Acevedo was a proud paratrooper with the 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His service included active combat tours in the Persian Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the Afghanistan War as part of the Global War on Terror, where he demonstrated extraordinary leadership, bravery, and commitment under fire. In addition to combat operations, he also took part in several humanitarian missions, bringing aid and hope to communities around the world in times of crisis.

His dedication and excellence in service were recognized with numerous prestigious military awards and decorations, including:

Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award); Army Achievement Medal (7th Award); Meritorious Unit Commendation; Valorous Unit Award; Army Good Conduct Medal (8th Award); National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award); Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Humanitarian Service Medal (4th Award); Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star; Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3rd Award); Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award); Kuwait Liberation Medal; Combat Action Badge; Parachutist Badge; Air Assault Badge; Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star; German Armed Forces Parachutist Badge – Bronze; U.S. Army Recruiter Badge (BDG).

These awards reflect the immense dedication, bravery, and leadership Ace displayed throughout his military service.

Beyond the uniform, Ace was a man deeply rooted in love and family. He was the loving and devoted husband of 27 years to his wife, Shelia, and a proud father, son, son-in-law, brother, uncle, and friend. He was known for his huge heart—extremely giving and always willing to help anyone with whatever was needed, no questions asked. Whether you were family or friend, you could count on Ace to be there with strength, laughter, and unwavering support.

He loved his family and his dogs, and lived for moments filled with joy and connection. He enjoyed cracking jokes, watching Spurs or Cowboys games, cooking, fishing, and spending time with his loved ones. Always the life of the party, Ace’s presence could light up any room, and his sense of humor and warmth will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife Shelia, daughter Ginger Waldschmidt of Clayton (Morey), daughter Alisha Stevens of Sylvania, GA, grandchildren Addison, Avery and Camden Waldschmidt, Jayden and Gracie Stevens, Paisley and Rylee Hendrix, mother Rosemarie Acevedo of San Antonio, father-in-law Edward Benson of Clayton, brother Fernando Acevedo Jr. (Irene), sisters Elizabeth Torres (Larry), Diana Cervantes (John), Sandi Cantu (Chuck), Hilda Hughey (Robert) and Stephanie Acevedo all of San Antonio, sister-in-law Darlene Parks of Clayton (Randy), niece Tonya Smith of Clayton (Patrick) and nephews Blake Parks of Four Oaks (Cierra), Jesse Acevedo (Morgan) Dawsonville, GA, and many other loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Ace was preceded in death by his father Fernando Acevedo Sr., mother-in-law Louise Benson, brother Ralph Acevedo, daughter Natalie Wooten Pottorff, and granddaughter Adlynn Rose Marie Henry.

A visitation will be held at McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton, NC on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. A funeral service with full military honors will be held on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in the chapel at McLaurin Funeral Home, with interment to follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park, where SFC Acevedo will be laid to rest with the dignity and respect befitting a true American hero.

Sergeant First Class Guillermo Acevedo was a warrior, a leader, a family man, and a light in the lives of all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the stories he shared, the people he uplifted, and the love he gave so freely.

“All the way!”