William "Bill" Joseph Guffey was born July 12, 1943, in El Reno, Oklahoma, to Camea Collins Guffey and Ray Vernon Guffey. He departed this life on September 29, 2017, at the age of 74. He was preceded in death by two brothers Karl (Betty) Guffey and Jimmy (Martha) Guffey. He is survived by a sister, June (Bill) Koch.
Bill is also survived by his wife of 18 years, Nan Couch Guffey; one daughter, Sharon Guffey Powers and two sons, Justin and Aaron Childs. Bill was Grandpa and "Guff" to fourteen grandchildren, Eric, Amanda, Shane and Elayna Walker, Stephanie and Nicole Powers, Maryah, Nathan, Izabella, Kadin, Addison and Anderson Childs, Michael and Clara Bland. He also had three great-grandchildren, Isabella Tramutolo and Nicholas and Ethen Walker.
Bill was a 1960 graduate of Enid High School in Enid, Oklahoma. He received a degree in Communications and Journalism from John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army and served his country in Vietnam with the 1st Aviation Brigade. He was stationed in Germany prior to his discharge in 1967. Among numerous commendations and medals, Bill received the Bronze Star and the Air Medal.
Bill's career included many years in broadcasting in the Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma area. This included jobs in several radio and television stations in Fort Smith where he was a well-known voice and on-air personality. He completed his career as the Public Relations Director and Journalism instructor at Carl Albert State College in Poteau, Oklahoma. In that position he was influential to many young people, both as a teacher and as a mentor. He loved his students and took a personal interest in them. Upon retirement Bill and Nan enjoyed many years of extensive travel and camping where he continued his love of photography. He had artistic interests and talent that included wood carving and music. He loved to sing and expressed this with the River Blenders Barbershop Chorus in Ft. Smith as well as in the choir at First Baptist Church in Mansfield, Arkansas, where he was an active member. Bill was an avid Arkansas Razorbacks fan. His love of family was unsurpassed. His friendships were enduring. His faith in Jesus Christ has assured for him an eternal home.
Memorial service will be 11 a.m., Monday, October 2 at Mansfield First Baptist Church under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood.
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