William Cleveland Guthrie

Mr. Guthrie was born February 23, 1922 in Anniston, AL, son of the late Erman Guthrie and Ethel Curry Guthrie. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Ann Bresee Guthrie, two sisters, Catherine Griffith and Margaret O’Dell, and a brother, Clinton Guthrie. Mr. Guthrie’s greatest loves in his life were his family, church, and our country.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church of LaGrange for 43 years. Mr. Guthrie was retired from the U.S. Navy after 29 years of service, 15 years as enlisted and 14 years as commissioned, and retired as Lieutenant Commander. Mr. Guthrie and his wife, Mrs. Ruth Ann Guthrie, served their country and were both World War II veterans. They were the first married couple from Georgia to go to the World War II Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. He was a member and past president for many clubs and organizations throughout the years including 60 years as a Mason, Optimist Club since 1973, LaFayette Chapter of the Retired Military Officers Association, Yaarab Shrine, and the LaGrange Shrine Club. Mr. Guthrie was employed with West Georgia Technical College for 17 years as the Electronics Instructor and Industrial Training Coordinator.

Survivors include one daughter, Patricia A. Gilbert and her husband, Orren A. Gilbert; two sons, W. Michael Guthrie and his wife, Sharyn L. Guthrie, and Stephen L. Guthrie and his wife, Joanne Guthrie; three grandchildren, Bernadette S. Guthrie, James W. Guthrie, and Jessica A. Guthrie; sister, Betty Stamps; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Monday, August 12, 2013 at First United Methodist Church of LaGrange with Dr. Harold Lawrence officiating. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Restlawn Memory Gardens. The gathering of family and friends will be on Monday, August 12, 2013 from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. in the Builders Class Room of First United Methodist Church.

Flowers will be accepted or contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church of LaGrange in memory of Mr. William C. Guthrie.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.

Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636.