LEE ROY GUILLORY

Lee Roy Guillory

Mr. Lee Roy “Buddy” Guillory Jr. of Raywood, Texas died peacefully at Memorial Hermann hospital, in Houston Texas on August 31, 2018 at the age of 71. Lee Roy succumbed to a failing heart after several months of intermittent hospital stays and medical procedures intended to improve the quality of his life. 

Lee Roy is survived by his wife Gertrude Guillory of Raywood Texas, his daughter and son-in-law, Kelly Guillory & Courtney Adams of Port Arthur, Texas and his son and daughter-in-law, Larry & Natasha Guillory of Houston, Texas. Additionally, Lee Roy is survived by his grandchildren Lawson (16), Jennifer (14), Layton (12), Jeremiah (11), Lauriana (8) and Jasmine (5). Lee Roy is also survived by his sisters Gertie Guillory, Beatrice Guillory, & Shirley David; his brothers Donald Ray Guillory, Walter Guillory & Waldon Guillory, as well as numerous cousins, godchildren, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Lee Roy Guillory Sr. and Rose (Semien) Guillory of Raywood, Texas, his brothers Joseph & Clayton Guillory, and his brothers-in-law Rogers Guillory, Gurvis Guillory & Jesse David.  

Lee Roy was born in Eunice, LA on August 25, 1947 to Rose and Lee Roy Guillory.  As the first born child and one of the oldest grandchildren, Lee Roy was looked-up-to by his siblings and first cousins, being described by many of them as their “hero” while growing up. Lee Roy attended Liberty High School where he was a record holding track athlete, despite his lifelong battle with asthma. Following graduation, Lee Roy enlisted for military service in the Army and he ultimately served for many years in Korea.

Following an honorable discharge, Lee Roy returned to Ames, Texas and soon after met the love of his life Gertrude Arceneaux of Raywood, who would become his wife of 44 years. Lee Roy and Gertrude were married on June 15, 1974 and together would raise their children Larry and Kelly in a Christian home that focused on the importance of education and the merits of self-reliance. To his children Lee Roy passed on passion for supporting family and his spirit of helping others in need. His son Larry also took on his passion for fishing and classic cars. Larry also credits Lee Roy for his love for applied mechanics which motivated Larry to receive a full academic scholarship and engineering degree from the University of Oklahoma.  His daughter Kelly, has been a key support to Lee Roy, in caring for his wife Gertrude and will carry on the pledge of support that Lee Roy made over 44 years ago.

Soon after his marriage, Lee Roy started his career with Chevron in 1976. He retired after a successful career in 2000. While at Chevron, Lee Roy supervised pipeline operations and was responsible for the safe transport of oil and gas across the country. Lee Roy received many acknowledgments and rewards during his career. After a pipeline rupture threatened the safety of a residential community, Lee Roy put his own personal safety at risk and single-handedly lead the evacuation of the surrounding homes, until company resources could be mobilized. Lee Roy was hospitalized following the event for several weeks and never second-guessed his decision to save others. Following his retirement after 24 years of service, Lee Roy put his mechanical abilities to good use and for years was the “neighborhood” auto mechanic.

“Lee Roy is a good-man.” These words have been repeated countless times over the years by friends, colleagues, and family. He was truly selfless. Earlier this year and only days after a major heart surgery, Lee Roy pleaded that doctors release him so that he could fulfill his weekly commitment to deliver food for Sacred Heart Church, to the less fortunate in the community. He frequently put his medical issues and personal interests aside to meet this personal commitment to help others.

The family encourages that in lieu of flowers, that condolences be sent to www.gofundme.com/lee-roy-guillory-charitable-legacy, A portion of condolences received will be donated to both the American Heart Association and the Food Bank of Houston in Lee Roy’s name. The family would also like to thank the Heart and Vascular Institute at Memorial Hermann along with Dr. Malladi Reddy, and Shemeka Banger-Hill for the expert care that Lee Roy received during the final months of his life. The family would also like to thank Brandon Perew, WJ Guidry, and Arthur Sias (Appa-Jack) for being supportive friends to Lee Roy and a great help to the family over the last few years of his life.