William Thomas Guzy

On March 14, 2025, William Thomas 'Bill' Guzy was welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Savior, bringing his long and valiant battle with cancer to an end. In the days leading up to his passing, Bill was taken to the Veterans' Affairs Hospital after suffering a heart attack—a final trial in a life marked by resilience, service, and unwavering faith.

Born on January 4, 1946, in Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, William Thomas 'Bill' Guzy was a cherished son of Andrew and Jane Guzy. He grew up in New Stanton, Pennsylvania, where he shared his childhood with six siblings in a home filled with love, laughter, and the bonds of family.

Surviving Bill is the love of his life, his devoted wife, Glynda, who stood by his side through every joy and challenge. His legacy lives on in his children: his daughter, Debbie, and her husband, Rick Van Brunt, and his son, Mark, who carry forward his strength, values, and unwavering spirit.

Bill’s cherished grandchildren—Eric Van Brunt, William Andrew Guzy, Jessica Terrance and her husband, Paul, and Richard Van Brunt and his wife, Jessica—continue to reflect his boundless love, quiet wisdom, and deep devotion to family.

His legacy extends even further through his great-grandchildren—Brendan, Taytum, Kylie, Caleb, and Ryder—who are the embodiment of the hope, joy, and enduring strength that defined his life. Each generation carries a part of Bill within them, ensuring that his love, lessons, and spirit will continue to thrive for years to come.

Bill was preceded in death by those who helped shape his life and spirit—his father, Andrew; his mother, Jane; his brothers, Walter, Charles, Andrew, Jerry, and Tom; and his sister, Linda. He also endured the profound loss of his beloved sons, Gilbert (Buddy) and Michael, and his precious granddaughter, Erin. Though their absence left deep wounds in his heart, Bill carried their memory with him, finding strength and purpose in honoring the legacy of those he loved and lost.

Bill graduated from Hempfield High School, where he developed a passion for sports and forged the discipline and determination that would guide him throughout his life. Soon after graduating, he set out to serve his country, moving to Baltimore before enlisting in the United States Air Force. He completed his training at Lackland Air Base, preparing for a mission far greater than himself.

As part of the 5th Tactical Strategic Air Command, Bill answered the call of duty with unwavering courage and resolve. His service took him across the world, to Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Cambodia, where he faced the trials of war with a steadfast heart and a deep sense of honor. After his overseas deployment, Bill was stationed at Hawthorne Army Depot in Hawthorne-Babbit, Nevada, the largest munitions depot in the world at the time. There, he continued his commitment to safeguarding his nation, standing as a protector of freedom and a quiet hero who carried the weight of service without seeking recognition.

Bill’s time in the military shaped him into a man of profound strength, humility, and patriotism. He served not for glory, but for duty—guided always by his love for country, his loyalty to his fellow servicemen, and his unshakable belief in the greater good.

During his time in service, Bill met the love of his life, Glynda, who was employed by the United States Government. Their shared values and dreams brought them together, and before long, they were married and building a life grounded in love, faith, and family. While stationed in Nevada, Bill and Glynda’s love blossomed into a growing family, and together, they embraced the joys and challenges of raising four children. Amid the uncertainty of military life, they created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and steadfast devotion, anchoring their family with the same strength and resilience that defined Bill’s service and their shared journey.

After Bill’s honorable discharge from the Air Force, the couple made the decision to settle in Mesquite, Texas, where Bill began working as an engineer at Texas Instruments. Though the work was steady, Bill’s heart was always with his growing family. Realizing that long hours were keeping him from the people he cherished most, he decided to pursue a new path that allowed him to stay closer to home. That path led him to entrepreneurship. Bill became an Exxon dealer and co-founded A&G Parts House with a business partner. Before long, he acquired full ownership of the Exxon portion of the business and eventually purchased the property that would become Guzy’s Automotive at 2728 Motley Drive, a cornerstone of the community and a testament to his hard work and dedication.

As the business grew, so did his family. Bill’s children were at the center of his world, and he was actively involved in every chapter of their lives. Whether it was coaching their Peewee football team, serving as a member of the PTA at Tosch Elementary, McDonald Middle School, and North Mesquite High School, or proudly supporting them as a member of the Booster Club, Bill was always present—leading, encouraging, and inspiring.

His care for others extended beyond his family. Bill was also a proud member of Operation Orphans, reflecting his deep commitment to helping children in need. His life was defined by service—service to his country, his family, and his community. Through every role he took on, Bill led with integrity, kindness, and a quiet strength that left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Amid all of his accomplishments and accolades, nothing meant more to Bill than his beloved wife, Glynda, whom he tenderly called his ‘Butterfly,’ and the family they built together. His heart found its true purpose in the love and pride he had for their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—a legacy he cherished above all else.

Later in life, Bill and Glynda found a sanctuary in the quiet beauty of East Texas, where they purchased a piece of land that Bill affectionately referred to as ‘His Little Piece of Heaven on Earth.’ There, surrounded by nature’s peace, Bill’s soul felt at home. It was a place where family gathered, laughter echoed through the trees, and precious memories were made—a testament to the life he built with his Butterfly and the deep, abiding love that guided him every step of the way.

With a love for the land and a vision for the future, Bill decided to plant a food plot on his cherished property in East Texas, enlisting the help of two neighboring friends. Though they worked hard alongside him, the neighbors were skeptical, warning Bill that deer were scarce in the area and that his efforts might not lead to much. But Bill, ever determined and optimistic, pressed on.

What happened next surprised them all. As the plants began to sprout, their stems and leaves reaching toward the sky, something remarkable unfolded. Deer—more than anyone had imagined—began to appear, drawn to the thriving plot that had taken root under Bill’s care. The neighbors marveled at the sight, admitting they had never seen so many deer in the area before.

In that small miracle, Bill found quiet satisfaction. His hard work, faith, and connection to the land had brought new life to his little piece of heaven—a reminder that sometimes, with patience, hope, and a little belief, abundance can bloom in even the most unexpected places.

Faith was the foundation of Bill and Glynda’s life together, and after much thought and prayer, they found their spiritual home at Eastridge Park Christian Church—a place where they would grow in faith and become part of a loving church family. They joined the Joy Class, a fellowship that quickly became an extension of their own family. Before long, Bill’s quiet leadership and servant’s heart were recognized, and he was asked to fill in as President of the Joy Class for what was meant to be six months. Six months became six years. During his time as President, Bill’s compassion and vision left a lasting legacy. He established a scholarship program to support high school students from the church, helping to guide the next generation toward opportunity and success. He also created an annual retreat to Athens, inviting Joy Class members and other church members to enjoy a weekend of fellowship, train rides, picnics, fishing, and antiquing—simple joys that brought people together and strengthened bonds. Bill’s dedication to his church extended even further when he was chosen to serve as a Deacon. In this role, he gave tirelessly of his time, serving on numerous committees and contributing wherever he was needed. His faith wasn’t just something he believed—it was something he lived every day, through acts of kindness, leadership, and unwavering commitment to his church and community.

As Bill’s health began to decline, the things that once brought him the most joy and fulfillment became increasingly out of reach. His ability to serve his community, care for his business, and engage in the activities that had defined his life was slowly taken from him. The daily realities of doctor’s appointments and the confines of home replaced the active life he once led, and, eventually, he made the difficult decision to close his business—no longer able to serve his community in the way he had so dearly wished.

Yet, even as his health diminished, Bill found solace in the love and companionship of his family. His loved ones—along with the comfort of family pets—provided a source of strength, lifting his spirits in ways that words couldn’t express. Though his body was failing him, the warmth of those who stood by his side helped him find peace in his final days, reminding him that love and connection could still flourish, even in the face of adversity.