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Thomas Guilford Obituary
Mr. Thomas Maxwell Guilford, Jr., 74, died on September 28, 2015. He was born in Tallahassee on August 8, 1941 to the late Max and Dorothy Monk Guilford. He graduated from Leon High School and later attended Mars Hill College. His roots were deep in the Bradenton and Sarasota area as he was a grandson to T. A. Monk, a builder who was instrumental in the initial development of Whitfield Estates and built Sarasota high school. Mr. Guilford resided in Tallahassee and in Sarasota and was an established designer who had a great influence on the historic communities of Los Robles and Betton Hills in Tallahassee. He was instrumental in both communities for preservation, remodeling and restoration of homes there. He was truly visionary in his approach to home renovation and restoration.
Mr. Guilford is survived by his siblings, Sue Walker of Tallahassee and her two children, Dory Walker of Pensacola and Hugh Walker of Ft. Myers, and his brother Dr. Arthur and Lynn Guilford of Sarasota and their two children Thomas Guilford of Cape Coral and Beth Guilford of Riverview, FL. He was predeceased by his son Thomas Maxwell "Chip" Guilford, III.
He had many friends in Tallahassee, Gainesville, and Sarasota. He was quite an entrepreneur, who through his designs touched the lives of many families in the Tallahassee area. He will certainly be missed by his family, friends and colleagues. The family will hold a private memorial service at a date later in October to celebrate his life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Guilford
Paul Cabler
November 5, 2015
For some reason I was thinking of Spike today and, like most folks in our age bracket looking for a long-ago friend, I Googled him. I'm sad to find he recently died, but am incredibly thankful for having known him when I did. Without either of us realizing it he was instrumental in helping me form a positive self-image in my early years. I have long missed his wit, style and charm, and will remember him the rest of my own life.
November 1, 2015
Spike and I grew up together. He and his family lived in Los Robles and I lived next door to The Blue Heaven, later known as Mutt & Jeff's Drive Inn at the corner of Seventh Ave, Meridian Rd., Los Robles and Thomasville Hwy. My parents later moved to Spruce Ave. in Betton Hills. We "camped out" many weekends at the Perry Hwy Outdoor Theater when the weather was warm and dry during the summer months. You will be missed My Friend.
Cecil L. Collins, TSgt., USAF (Ret.)
Blaine, Tennessee
Peggy Higgins
October 23, 2015
We were saddened by Spike's death. I don't seem to be up to date with family contacts.
Please accept our condolences. You are in our hearts and prayers.
John "Kit" Tanner
October 8, 2015
Spike was always kind and a wonderful friend. I am so sorry to hear the news. God bless.
Jeana French
October 7, 2015
I will forever miss Spike in my heart. He was a wonderful friend, neighbor, and designer with many special gifts.
Jane Menton
October 5, 2015
Spike will forever be my favorite neighbor.
October 4, 2015
So sorry to hear this sad news. My parents (Alvin and Irene Middleton) and Max and Dot were good friends for years. I remember spending time with all the family. Betty Middleton Wharton
Sean Caskie
October 4, 2015
I'll miss Spike. He epitomized southern charm and class. He was truly a gentleman.
ervin beagles
October 4, 2015
Another classmate gone. R.I.P. Thomas.
Jan Soto
October 4, 2015
Sue, what a shock this morning to me. Spike and I go way way back and he was the designer on my home here on Shamrock in
Killearn; he was such a good designer. I remember his big home in Los Robles. Gee when things settle down a bit I wish somehow I could learn wheether he had been sick a long time or was this a real sudden death. If I can do anything for you, I'm here for you. Jan Soto
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