William Darrell Guyton

 

 

In a world that often takes itself too seriously, Darrell Guyton was a breath of fresh air. Born on January 23, 1951, in Live Oak, Florida, and finished his race on September 30, 2023, at the age of 72.

Darrell had an extraordinary ability to find joy in everyday life.  Not without suffering in his life, he still found joy, never meeting a stranger, and never wasting a day with regret in his heart. No matter the challenge, he approached life with a twinkle in his eye, his girl by his side, and God’s word at his center.

Darrell found his sanctuary within the walls of his long-awaited workshop, where he reveled in the art of building and tinkering on projects.  Darrell was a fixer and not always just of broken things, but many times of broken people.  His shop was not just a place for tools and projects; it was a place of prayer, encouragement, and wisdom.  

But beyond his mechanical prowess, Darrell had a profound love for the serenity of nature. He cherished his days spent fishing and hunting with friends and family, finding solace and contentment in the outdoors. It was a place where he could bask in the beauty of creation and bond with loved ones over shared hunting and fishing stories and sunrises in a boat, a blind, a screened-in porch, or at the end of the pier.

But it wasn't just his skill with a duck call, a rod and reel, and a hammer that endeared him to all who knew him. 

His heart swelled with love for his six grandkids. He delighted in their laughter, their antics, and their boundless energy, while occasionally employing the benefit of turning his hearing aids down.

For over 50 years, Darrell stood side by side with his beloved wife, creating a love story that inspired us all. Their unwavering devotion was a testament to the enduring power of love.  Karen was his love, his partner, and half of his heart.

And then, there was Jesus, the ultimate love of Darrell's life. His faith was a guiding light, a source of strength, and a wellspring of joy. In the end, it's this unshakeable belief that brings us comfort as we say “See you again” to our beloved DeeDee. 

Darrell leaves behind his wife Karen, daughter Kati Lewter and husband Brad, his son Will Guyton and wife Camille, six amazing grandchildren, Lana, Layton, Lola, Cooper, Reese, and Cole, brother John Guyton and wife Sylvia, Sister Marilyn Yore and husband Mike, Sister Betty Randle and husband Keith, mother-in-law Vivian Lee, Sister-in-law Carolyn Grant and husband Bob, nieces and nephews, as well as a host of other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother and father Marlyn and Sue Bell Guyton and a father-in-law Youree Lee. 

Funeral services for William “Darrell” Guyton, 72, will be held October 3, 2023, at South Bossier Baptist Church, 1155 Sligo Rd., Bossier City, at 1:00 p.m. A burial will follow the service at Spring Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, 275 Springhill Church Rd., Ringgold, Louisiana. Officiating the service will be Dr. Randy Zeigler. All family and friends are welcome.