Charles C. Guthrie

Charles C. (Pete) Guthrie, 85, of Franklin County, Va., passed away on Tuesday morning, June 22, 2010, at the Virginia Veteran's Care Center, Salem, Va. Born in Franklin County, Va., on October 29, 1924, he was the youngest of 12 children born to the late Robert L. and Johnnie Wright Guthrie. He honorably served his country during World War II in the United States Army "Red Ball Express" supplying General Patton during the invasion of Europe. Pete was a Christian and lifelong member of Cedar Bluff Church of the Brethren, Boones Mill, Va. Surviving are his beloved wife of 62 years, Kathryn "Kitty" Naff Guthrie, of Boones Mill, Va.; two children, Larry R. Guthrie (Debbie), of Alpharetta, Ga., and Donna G. Gaudet (Jim), of Lynchburg, Va.; grandchildren, Jason, Jane, Brad, Brittany and Amber; seven greatgrandchildren; brother, Emmett W. Guthrie; sistersin-law, Effie W. Guthrie and Frances N. Peters; brotherin-law, Edwin W. Terry (Barnett); special friends, Jerry and Loretta Mills; and many nieces and nephews. Pete's love for gardening was his hobby. He worked tirelessly in his garden, operated a green house for a number of years, and shared the fruits of his green thumb with many. Early in his career, Pete mastered the art of auto body repair working for several Roanoke dealerships and in 1970 opened his own repair business in Roanoke with his brother, Bobby. Later this evolved into Industrial Radiator Corporation owned and operated until his retirement in 1986. Subsequently, Pete and Kitty moved to Spring Hill, Fla., living there for 11 years before returning to Boones Mill in 1997. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cedar Bluff Church of the Brethren, 5516 Wades Gap Road, Boones Mill, Va. 24065. A Funeral Service will be held 2 p.m. on Friday, June 25, 2010, at Oakey's South Chapel with the Rev. Maurice E. Wright and the Rev. Doug Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 24, 2010, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Oakey's South Chapel, 540-989-3131.