Bill M. Guthrie

GUTHRIE, BILL M., age 79, of Mountain Brook, Alabama died Wednesday morning, December 12, 2012. The 2 p.m. memorial service on Friday, December 14, 2012 will be at Mountain Brook Baptist Church, with visitation following at the church in Hudson Hall. Earlier on Friday, the private graveside service will be at Southern Heritage Cemetery in Pelham, Alabama. Dr. James Moebes and Dr. Doug Dortch will officiate the services. Bill was born May 25, 1933 in Townley, Alabama to Winfred and Era Guthrie. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his son, Jon Guthrie; brother, Don Guthrie; and brother, Bob Guthrie and his wife Dorothy. Survivors include Bill's wife of 55 years, Barbara Jean Cain Guthrie; daughter, Patti G. Rogers (Ed); grandchildren, Patrick Hill and Jenna Hill; brothers, Jerry Guthrie (Laura) and Charles Guthrie (Betty); and sister-in-law, Gertrude Guthrie. Bill enjoyed 47 years with Southern Company, serving in management and executive positions in operations and engineering at Alabama Power, Gulf Power, and Southern Company Services. He retired from Southern Company in June 1998 as President of Fossil/Hydro Group. The 1951 Parrish High School graduate began his engineering career at Gorgas Steam Plant as a co-op college student. He graduated from Auburn University in 1957 with his electrical engineering degree, and served as a Reserve Commissioned officer and ultimately as a Captain in the U.S. Army. Bill was an active member of Mountain Brook Baptist Church, Vestavia Country Club, and The Club. His interests also included golf, motorcycle riding, working on the family farm in Jasper, Alabama, and Auburn University athletics. He was recognized over the years for his outstanding contributions to many organizations, including 1995 Auburn Alumni Engineering Council Distinguished Auburn Engineer. Memorial gifts may be made to American Heart Association, Big Oak Ranch, and Mountain Brook Baptist Church.