Rodney Anthony Guidry, age 82, of Slidell, LA, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, July 25, 2022.

Born in Donaldsonville, LA on October 6, 1939 to the late Rodney Joseph Guidry and Concetta Palermo Guidry, he graduated from West Jefferson High School in 1958.  He attended Tulane University for two years, majoring in Liberal Arts, before joining the U.S. Navy in 1960 along with his identical twin brother, the late Roy Anthony Guidry.  During this time, he worked as a Radioman Class 2 (E-5) and spent time in Adak, AK, Alameda, CA and Bainbridge, MD. Upon completion of his duties he was honorably discharged in August 1965 and went on to obtain his Commercial Aviation Pilots License in 1966. Thereafter, he worked for Bell South, alongside his brother, for 37 years before his retirement.  On September 2, 1966  Rodney married his loving wife, the late Gretchen Kay Willis Guidry, and they raised two daughters, Rachel and Gretchen.

Rodney was a devoted husband and father who sincerely loved and honored his family. He participated in various social events with his wife Gretchen and encouraged his daughter's passion for athletics. He coached both their youth softball and soccer teams for several years. Rodney himself participated in sports and outdoor activities including softball, boating, fishing, scuba diving and powerlifting.  In his later years he became fond of tennis, the shooting sports and attending car shows. He loved LSU Football, and the rivalry between he and his "Alabama" son-in-law, remained ongoing!  Rodney also enjoyed watching his favorite program "Wicked Tuna."

Although he was an exceptionally devoted husband and father, Rodney was most committed to his relationship with the Lord. Those who knew Rodney could tell you of his outspoken love for Jesus. He never passed up an opportunity to share the Gospel with those whom he knew needed an encouraging word and instilled that same passion into his daughters. Rodney was a long-time and devoted member of Grace Memorial Baptist Church in Slidell. For many years he was part of the Men's Softball Team, competing in the local Church League as both a player and coach.  He cherished the many friendships forged over the years with fellow church members, particularly those of the "Old Men's" Sunday School class.  While we are certain that he is reunited with the love of his life, Gretchen, he will be profoundly missed by his daughters and others who loved him.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, Rodney and Concetta, his wife Gretchen, twin brother Roy and his wife, Carolyn Petitto Guidry, and his sister Concetta Guidry Bethel Mayhew. He is survived by his daughters Rachel Guidry McLellan (Rocky), and Gretchen Guidry Thomas (Adam), his grandchildren Benjamin McLellan (Brittany), Jeremiah McLellan, Michael Thomas, Chris Thomas (Kate), and Jennifer Thomas Bodin (Ryan), as well as 9 great grandchildren, Alaina McLellan, Alyssa McLellan, Logan McLellan, Lilah Thomas, Neil Thomas, Grace Thomas, Owen Bodin, Gray Bodin, and Reese Bodin. Rodney is also survived by several nieces and nephews including Julie Guidry Dunk (Gary), Roy Guidry Jr. (Beth), Nathan Guidry (Elizabeth), Natalie Guidry Lindsay (Chris), Carolyn Bethel Lowery, Cindy Bethel Schembra, Sharon Bethel Bacon, Susan Bethel Morton (Wesley) and a host of other dear relatives and friends.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Service at Grace Memorial Baptist Church, 58516 Pearl Acres Rd. Slidell, LA 70461 on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at 11:00 A.M.

Interment will follow in FOREST LAWN CEMETERY.

Visitation at the church on Saturday after 9:00 A.M. until funeral time.

Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell, LA.