Willard Ray Guillory

Willard Ray Guillory entered into rest on Saturday, October 5, 2019. He lived a life filled with adventure, family, and service to others. He was born on July 20, 1935 in Cottonport, Louisiana, where he graduated from high school in 1952, and then enlisted into the United States Air Force. Though based in various locations across the United States, he was also stationed in Thailand and Guam. In 1972, he retired as a Chief MSgt. at Barksdale Air Force Base. His next professional endeavor took him to Baker Oil Tools (Tri State Oil Tools), where he retired after 25 years in Quality Control. He and his wife, Bobbie, of 47 years were married until her death. After retirement, they moved to Mansura, Louisiana, eventually settling in Shreveport. Ray had an eye for detail, mechanical acumen, and astute organizational skills. He was a handyman, an expert gardener, and a skilled woodworker, with the ability to both repair anything and engineer common-sense solutions to everyday household issues. He loved the outdoors and working in his beautiful yard. Ray lived out the Biblical principle of loving his neighbor. Those who lived close to him often came home to their own manicured lawn designed by Ray. Loving his family is Ray's most enduring legacy. When he was raising his four children, they spent most of their free time camping, water skiing, and fishing. He crafted lasting memories of times at the lake together. Though he was a man of few words, his laugh was full and rang true, and he devoted his life to caring for his family. His love echoes through each member of his family, living on in his descendants. Willard was preceded in death by his parents, William Joseph and Rose LaBorde Guillory; wife, Bobbie Nell Guillory; brother, Joseph Raymond Guillory; and sisters, Rosedale Guillory Kidder, Juanita Guillory Ducote, and Barbara Jean Guillory. Left to cherish his memory are children, Sabrina Elizabeth Guillory, Brett Wayne Guillory and wife Kimberli, Anthony Ray Guillory, Felicia Guillory Ard and husband Stephen Ard, Jr.; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and siblings, William Joseph Guillory, Jr., Barbara Guillory Chelette, Sandra Guillory Aymond, and Earline Guillory Thibodeaux. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Forest Park West Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Friday, October 11, 2019 at Rose-Neath Southside with Rosary following at 6:00 p.m. Memorials made in his name may be made to the American Cancer Society.