Walton Guerry, electrical utility lineman, passed away Monday, July 27, 2009 in Tuscaloosa, AL at the age of 22, surrounded by his loving friends and family. Services will be held on Thursday July 30, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Fairview Baptist Church with Rev. Mickey Dalrymple, Rev. Sammy Crawford and Rev. Nick Cannady officiating. Burial will follow at Knights of Pythians Cemetery in Artesia. Visitation will be held on Wednesday July 29, 2009 from 6 until 9 at Memorial Funeral Home. Walt, as affectionately known by his friends, grew up in the Columbus area, attending elementary school in New Hope, eventually graduating from Victory Christian Academy in 2005. Walt moved on taking courses at East Mississippi Community College as well as Northwest Community College from 2005- 2007. But he found his niche, graduating from Southeastern Lineman's School in Trenton, GA in 2007, where he received the admiration of many and became a well liked young man. Walt enjoyed his short career as a professional lineman, working with Columbus Light and Water, but his passion was spent outdoors, enjoying all that God created. Throughout his life, he participated in many school sports and activities. However, his favorite memories were his Boy Scout activities in which he went on a variety of hiking and backpacking trips around the country, even going on an 11 day hike through Northeast New Mexico. He was an avid sportsman, hunting and fishing with his family and friends. His adventurous soul and his zeal for life will best be remembered by his friends. In so many ways, Walt touched the lives of both young and old. He was the loyal and sincere friend, always helping out others and keeping those around him happy. Walt's smile will be remembered for a long time to come. Walt Guerry is survived by his mother, Patti Walton Guerry and father Paul Rodger Guerry, his brother Jonathan Miles Guerry, his maternal grandfather, Billy Doyle Walton, his girlfriend Whittney Nickoles and an abundance of paternal uncles, aunts, and cousins. Preceding Walt in death is his maternal grandmother, Leola Walton and his paternal grandparents, Muriel Glover Guerry and William Walker Guerry, Sr. Pallbearers will be C.F. Harris, Bill Buckner, David Doughty, Danny Lewis, Steve Watson and Kenneth Romans. Some lives seem to be lived too short by our standards. Each moment is a precious gift from God. Walt used his time to reach others and make a positive, lasting impact. He lived his life in happiness. While it seems that he has been taken too soon, his family and friends have the faith and hope, knowing that one day, we will see his smiling face again in the Kingdom of God. Memorials may be made to Pushmataha Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, 420- 31st Avenue N., Columbus, MS 39705.
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Published in the Columbus (MS) Commercial Dispatch on July 29, 2009.