GUTHRIE - Willie T. "Tomy" Guthrie, 79, a native of Fernandina Beach, passed away Friday evening, September 12, 2014 after battling cancer.
Tomy was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated from Fernandina Beach High School where he served as president of his class. Soon after graduation he served in the U. S. Air Force receiving an honorable discharge.
His interest in racing spanned many decades. He served as president of the Fernandina Beach Hot Rod Club (Buccaneer Gear Strippers), was a member of the American Motorcycle Association, Dirt Track Racing, Drag Racing, NHRA and IHRA. Tomy took a break from active racing while working and raising his family but continued to build race car engines for others during this time. He coached Pop Warner football for 20 years. Tomy enjoyed diving and became a certified Nitrox diver and vacationed many times in the Bahamas.
After many years his friends encouraged him to return to his passion for car racing. In 2000 he purchased and completely rebuilt a 1975 Monza and entered NHRA drag racing winning many races and received further placement trophies while in his 70's.
He was employed 32 years at Container Corporation and retired as Electrical & Instrumentation Superintendant in 1993.
He was an active member of Memorial United Methodist Church and previously served as an usher until his illness.
He was predeceased by his first wife of 39 years, Norma "Dale" Guthrie; brother, David Clark Guthrie; sister in law, Lora Guthrie; sister, June Fulcher.
He leaves behind his wife of 15 years, Glenda Mandeville - Guthrie; daughter, Jill DeLisle (Paul); son Glenn Guthrie; stepsons, Carey Mandeville (Lorie), and Jon Mandeville; grandchildren, Cassie and Tessa Guthrie; Jamie and Tobias Mandeville; and his brother in law, Earl Fulcher.
A private interment will be held at Bosque Bello Cemetery.
The family encourages your presence at the memorial celebration honoring Tomy's life at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 16, at Memorial United Methodist Church in Fernandina Beach with Pastors Beth Fogle-Miller and Drew Weseman officiating. A dinner will follow in Maxwell Hall at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the Barnabas Center, www.barnabasfernandina.com 904-261-7000, or St. Jude's Children's Hospital, www.stjude.org 1-800-822-6344.