Billy Jack Guthrie

Billy Jack Guthrie, 90, of Eastland, Texas passed away on December 20, 2023, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was surrounded by family and lavished in love as he made his way home.

Bill was born on October 25, 1933, to Jack and Bea Guthrie in Wichita Falls, Texas. He spent his childhood growing up in Texas, Arkansas, Illinois, and California. Some of his fondest memories were of life on the farm in southern Arkansas – playing hooky from school, fishing with his brother in Rock Creek, and making a splash from the rope swing.

Early in his work life, he had various jobs such as carpenter, painter, dairy delivery driver, truck driver, and oil roughneck. Due to his passion for airplanes, he began working for Central Airlines as a carpenter in the 1950s. While employed with Central, he obtained his Airframe and Power Plant license and became an aircraft mechanic. Central ceased operations in 1967, and they were purchased by Frontier Airlines. He retired early from Frontier when the company closed in 1986. Soon after, he continued his career with Delta Airlines, retiring in 1998.

A talented musician and singer, his passion for guitars and music far exceeded his love for airplanes. In 1962, Bill and his brother Carl, along with two others formed a group called The Country Four. They had an hour-long radio program on Saturdays. The group played in various venues and performed in annual fund-raising telethons in Abilene, Texas. In addition to their musical and vocal abilities, he and Carl entertained folks with their comedy act as the Shallowit Brothers. He was a fascinating storyteller of personal narratives – always with a twist of humor. In his final days, that unique sense of humor was still very prevalent.

He is preceded in death by his parents, older brother Carl Guthrie, wife of 35 years Sonja Price Guthrie, wife Joyce Williams Guthrie, and wife Phyllis Miles Guthrie. He is survived by his brother Dennis Guthrie (Gaynelle), sister Sharon Kenneth (Wyatt), sons John Guthrie (Kathy), and Mark Guthrie (Shelly), daughters Diane Blaylock, Raney Azada, Donna Bronson (Dave), Wendy Davis (Kendall), and Tracie Miller, 20 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and would have met in his first great-great-grandchild in a few months.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at 11:00 AM at the Potosi Cemetery in Abilene, Texas. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date in Eastland, Texas.