Obituary: Gilbert Truett Guffin

Gilbert Truett Guffin, 79 of Gardendale, died February 18, 2016. He was born December 5, 1936 in Camden, New Jersey to Gilbert Lee and Lorene (Parrish) Guffin.

He married Maurene McGuire in 1957 and together they raised three sons: Dr. Brian Truett Guffin (Katie) of Gardendale; Dr. Scott Lee Guffin (Beth) of Vestavia; and Grant Allen Guffin (Terri) of Collierville, Tenn. He is survived by his wife and sons as well as one brother, Orville Thomas Guffin (Marilyn) of Huntsville and nine grandchildren: Abbie, Grace, Graham, Zac, Blake, Bailey, Noah, Elijah and Erin Guffin.

He graduated from Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, Pa. before earning degrees from Howard College (now Samford University) and the University of Alabama Medical School. He interned at Lloyd Noland Hospital before opening a family medical practice in Gardendale. He later trained in anesthesia at Lloyd Noland Hospital before practicing at Princeton and Montclair Hospitals.

He was a dedicated member of Gardendale First Baptist Church where he served as a longtime deacon and helped launch and cultivate the church’s media and missions ministries. He was a member of Samford University’s Board of Trustees and taught in the school’s nurse anesthesia program. He was a member of Gardendale’s Zoning Board, Rotary Club and a past president of its beautification commission. He contributed to the creation of Gardendale’s Magnolia Festival, now an annual community event. He served as a major in the Alabama Army National Guard’s medical unit, organized the emergency department at Walker County Hospital, and served as team doctor of the Gardendale High School football team for more than 20 years. He was a Pilot Instrument Rated, I, and enjoyed flying airplanes, driving cars and boats in his free time. He was also a member of a Christian motorcycle group that traveled the country and a local Model A club.

He faithfully loved and served the Lord, his family, his church and his community.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, February 19, from 5-8 p.m. at Gardendale First Baptist Church, North Campus with the funeral to follow at the same location Saturday, February 20 at 1 p.m.