Guthrie, William Meek (Bill)

William Meek (Bill) Guthrie, 86, of Dublin, passed away on Saturday, May 7, 2011, after a brief illness. He was devoted to his family, his farm, his church and his faith in Jesus Christ. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Barbara. He is also survived by his three children, daughter, Jean Guthrie, of Marietta, Ga.; daughter and son-in-law, Ellen Guthrie Hom and Kevin Hom, of South Riding, Va.; and son and daughter-in-law, Joseph W. Guthrie and Carol Guthrie, of Dublin, Va. He will also be greatly missed by his five grandchildren, William Hom, Mary Kate Hom, Julie Anna Guthrie, Brendan Guthrie and James Guthrie; and by a brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Frances Guthrie, of Dublin, Va. Bill was the first child of William Crockett Guthrie and Mattie Meek Guthrie. He was born at home on February 15, 1925, on the farm near Dublin which his family has owned since 1795. He grew up farming and helped the family keep the farm through the Great Depression even after his father died in 1938. He graduated with honors in Agricultural Engineering from Virginia Tech in 1951. He raised his family on the farm, which he worked first with his brother, Richard, and later with his son, Joe. He established a reputation for excellent quality cattle, honesty in all his dealings and stewardship of the land. Bill delighted in sharing stories and telling jokes. He was also active in his community and in several agricultural organizations, but was most devoted to his church. He was a long time member and leader of New Dublin Presbyterian Church where he served in many capacities and was the fifth generation of his family to be elected as an elder in the church. He lived his faith and it was quietly evident to all who knew him through his selflessness, integrity and generosity. The family will hold a memorial service at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, 2011, at the New Dublin Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Andrew TaylorTroutman officiating. A reception will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski, Va.