George Guidry Jr.

George Guidry Jr., age 89, passed away on July 31, 2020. He was born on September 14, 1930 in Arnaudville, LA to George Sr. and Regina Comb Guidry.

Many love stories are hidden in simplicity, ignited lastingly by an encounter, often of chance, of one heart meeting its companion in this life. In the heart of a young Louisiana boy, working as a Ferris Wheel operator, a love was born, as he crossed the path of his forever love, Joyce. After asking her on a date, as she boarded the ride, she commented that if she were still uncommitted to another suitor by the end of the evening that she would agree to a date. George did what any reasonable, lovestruck youngster would do and fastened Joyce into her seat; keeping her on the Ferris Wheel intentionally, until he was the last man left around for her. From that first night, until her very last breath on this Earth, their love survived, and they walked through life hand in hand. George was a survivor, a living testament to the enduring nature of his Cajun heritage: best expressed in his native French tongue as “lâche pas la patate”, literally translated as “don’t let go of the potato”, but figuratively denoting to “never give up”, no matter the hardships or challenges that lie ahead. George never gave up, surviving tribulations that many could not have endured: spending four agonizing days in a tree as Hurricane Audrey destroyed his oilrig worksite and drowned his fellow workers, until he was found in an emaciated and weakened state, as his loved ones worriedly searched for him; and almost fully recovering after receiving severe burns on most of his body, with his brother travelling to the hospital to help tend his wounds and help him to heal. Despite these hardships, George would bring the good out of the bad; he was funny and loved to make others laugh. Like all French speakers of his generation, he was forced by the Louisiana government to learn English in primary school, a language he never learned to read or write, after leaving school in the third grade. A gifted storyteller, he engaged in conversation with anyone and everyone, and by the end of the conversation, his personability had so invested him in a new acquaintance that he would either end up being related to them or be able to recount their life story. Most of his life was spent on the road as a truck driver, and he held a special distinction of being only one of three men that hauled the fuel for the Apollo Moon Landing. George and Joyce affectionately referred to each other as “Daddy” and “Momma”, respectively; unless Joyce, upset and short of breath after getting her point across, would breathlessly finish with a “Geooor….” to emphasize the conclusion of her vented frustration. He loved his wife, hardly could they be seen without her hand in his, as he carried her purse with the other to “balance himself out”. They were separated for a short time, as she passed before him, yet he spent every day retracing their habits, visiting their favorite restaurants, and reminiscing of the steps they trod in life. George survived a lot in life, but he could not bear to be without his sweetheart, and as he closed his eyes for the last time on this Earth, he doubtless was grasped by the hand of the his dear Joyce in Heaven, reunited forever.

Left to honor his memory is his son, Michael “Mike” Guidry and wife, Diane, of Vidor, TX; daughters, Cynthia Frederic and husband, Doyle, of Gonzales, LA and Patricia Karr of Brazoria, TX; brother, Cecil Guidry of Vidor, TX; sister, Laura Stoute of Lumberton, TX; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and a wealth of nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and loved ones.

Preceding him in death is his beloved wife, Joyce Romero Guidry, and his parents.

George’s life honoring graveside service will be on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at 2:00 p.m., at Restlawn Memorial Park, 2725 N Main St, Vidor, TX 77662, with Bro. David Hall officiating.

In lieu of flowers, George personally requested that his friends and loved ones donate to the Salvation Army, https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/ways-to-give/, but humbly requested that you not give a "red dime" to the American Red Cross.  

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