Edward Lee Guillory, 81, of Lake Charles passed away at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024 in a local hospital.

Mr. Guillory was born on Jan. 8, 1943 in Opelousas and was raised in Port Barre where he was a graduate of Port Barre High School.  Following graduation, he joined the US Air Force and proudly served our country in the Vietnam War.  Upon his honorable discharge from the military, he furthered his education at the University of Southwest Louisiana (USL) receiving a bachelor’s degree in education.  He taught high school for the next seven years at Port Barre and at Merryville High School. 

 In 1976, he and his wife, Linda, were given the opportunity to open and operate Skate City in Deridder, La. This venture was the beginning of a remarkable journey for the couple, as they soon expanded to Alexandria in 1979, followed by the opening of a third location in Lake Charles in 1981. Their dedication to providing a place for fun, recreation, and community brought joy to countless families over the years.  Through their hard work and devotion, the Skate City brand became a cherished part of the local culture.

After moving to Lake Charles, they became members of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church.

He had a deep love for the outdoors and it was through his passion for fishing, hunting, and camping that he created countless memories with his family and friends.  He especially enjoyed spending time at their camp on Toledo Bend.  Mr. Guillory also took great joy in playing Bourree.  He enjoyed their annual tradition of taking their motor home to Williamsport, Pa., where they would watch the Little League World Series.  Mr. Guillory was also an active member of the Petro Chem Athletic Association at McNeese State University.

Those left to cherish his memories are his loving wife of 57 years, Linda Guillory; sons, Brian Guillory (Kelli) and Brad Guillory (Laura); siblings, Sybil Cole, Glenn Guillory (Pauline), Ricky Guillory, and Keith Guillory (Dana), and his beloved grandchildren, Madeleine, Andrew, Brendan, Brit, Bryson, and Blair Ann Guillory.

 He was preceded in death by his daughter, Ann Marie Guillory; his parents, Gladys and Allen Guillory, and his siblings, Allen Guillory Jr, Alvin Guillory, Huey Guillory, and Joycelyn Johnson. 

A mass will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven.  Monsignor Daniel Torres will officiate.  Inurnment will follow in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.  A gathering of family and friends will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until leaving for the church at 12 p.m. with a rosary being recited at 11:30 a.m.