Fred James Guthrie

Published 8:14 am Friday, June 15, 2018

Fred James Guthrie
Birmingham

Fred James Guthrie, age 86, of Birmingham, passed peacefully on Friday, June 8.

He was born on Oct. 25, 1931 in Midway, Mississippi to Johnie and IV Guthrie. He was one of six children.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, loving wife Lilly Anne (Ingram) Guthrie, and his brother John Guthrie.

Survivors include Fred’s loving children, Sharon Thomas, Larry Guthrie and Barry Guthrie; son-in-law, John Thomas; daughters-in-law, Kathy Meadows and Denise Giles Guthrie; grandchildren, Jennifer Ilig Patko, Daniel lllg, Devin Guthrie, and Lilly Guthrie; great-grandchildren, Andon and Anna Kate Patko; sisters, Bobbie Edmondson, Norma Cary, Sue Womack, and Carol Papenfuss; and many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law.

Fred married the great love of his life, Lilly Ann Ingram, prior to shipping out to serve his country during the Korean War. After returning home, he began a successful career in the Oil and Gas industry in New Orleans, Louisiana, retiring from Chevron in 1991. He lived and worked in many places during his career but truly loved his time in New Orleans, where he made many life-long friendships through his active service at both First Baptist Kenner and Williams Boulevard Baptist Church in Kenner, and through his many softball and bowing teams.

Fred and Ann settled in Birmingham after retiring to be closer to their grandchildren. He met and made many wonderful friends in the years he spent in Birmingham. He loved playing cards, attending Bible studies at Westwood Baptist Church in Alabaster, and sharing a good meal with dear friends and family.

Fred’s life will be honored and celebrated at Ridout’s Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, Alabama on Tuesday, June 19 with visitation at 12:30 p.m. and a chapel service at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, Fred’s family kindly requests donations be made in his name to UAB Department of Neurology/Alzheimer’s Research, c/o UAB Gift Record AB1230, 1728 2nd Ave. South, Birmingham, AL 35294-0012. Or visit Uab.edu/give/alzheimers to give.