“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” -Luke 23:43

There are those men whom display strength at every turn, yet exhibit gentleness and kindness on every corner; those whom live in their faith aware that gratitude is a natural  part of their daily lives; those whom love with a full heart sharing pieces of their hearts as they traverse life’s moments; those of whom much is awarded and much is willingly shared with others; those whom take the duties of God, family, and service to their country as a privilege; those whom share in life’s humor while also being able to laugh at themselves.  Fortunate are those who are able to call that man their son, husband, father, brother, uncle, godfather or friend. It is a bond unbroken by time. 

We are blessed to have called such a man as this by his name, Gerald Anthony Guillory. 

Gerald, a long time resident Lake Charles, was a 1963 graduate of Lake Charles High School and a McNeese State University graduate in the School of Business.  He and Charlotte Dingler, high school sweethearts, were married in 1965.  Enrolled in the United States Air Force, he and his bride spent four years stationed stateside at which time Gerald served as an airplane mechanic. After active duty, the couple with their first born, Jerry, happily returned home to Lake Charles where they began their long careers in the Dingler family business, Solar Supply, Inc.  The following years excitedly brought two additional sons and a lifelong story of love of family and commitment to each other. 

Gerald loved any gathering that involved loved ones and he and Charlotte were hosts to more or these than can be counted. Their home was open to any and all, at any time of the day or evening. Their camp on the river, the family cabin in Colorado, and the Prien Lake boathouse were continuous gathering places where joyous memories were made. His recent 80th birthday party attended by numerous family and friends was an event that Gerald greeted with exuberant happiness. 

In his younger years, Gerald was a Rotary Club member, Lake Charles Contraband Ski Club, and diligently followed their three sons’ and grandchildren’s sporting events.  His love of hunting and camping adventures never dwindled. Over the years, there were many deer hunting trips in Louisiana and at the Colorado cabin where his sons, brothers, and nephews gathered around a campfire with Gerald as Master Chef.   As the family grew, the hunting trips turned into week-long deer hunts with his grandchildren “coming of age” to earn the title of huntsmen and huntswomen.  

Gerald was proceeded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Charlotte Dingler Guillory; his parents, Jud and Mary Lou Guillory, and elder sister, Betty Window Bates. 

He is survived by his three sons, Jerry Guillory, Tait Guillory and wife, Suzanne, Brandon Guillory and wife, Brandi, and Tessie Guillory, all of Lake Charles; his deeply treasured grandchildren, Austin, Camie, Hunter, Kenzie, Sadie, Gray, Chase, Jace, and great-grandchild, Liam.   Also, Gerald’s loving companion, Gwen Butaud; his brothers, Rodney, Jud and wife, Carol; sister, Belinda Graham; sisters and brothers-in-law, Charmayne and Jamie Yelverton, Ronnie and JoLynn Dingler, along with numerous nieces and nephews.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 in St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church.  Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.  Visitation will be at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the start of the Mass, with a rosary being recited at 1:30 p.m. 

Pallbearers will be his four grandsons, Austin Guillory, Hunter Guillory, Gray Guillory, Chase Guillory, and Godsons, Kevin Window and Matthew Graham.

The family extends their extreme gratitude to the most amazing, loving caregivers, Carolane, Joan, Mona, and Melissa. Also, our gratitude to all additional caregivers of LeeAnna’s Caregiving Service who filled in at times of needs in these last months. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Martin du Pores Catholic Church. 

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death, nor mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” -Revelation 21:4