Ira Thomas "Tom" Guthrie

Ira Thomas “Tom” Guthrie of Broad Creek was the first born to Ira Allen and Iona Garner Guthrie on July 17, 1942. With his family surrounding him, in the home he helped his father build, Tom moved from his earthly home to his heavenly home to reside with Jesus on September 25, 2025.

A graveside service to honor Tom’s life will be held at 3 p.m., October 24th at Graham Memorial Pentecostal Holiness Church Cemetery in Mill Creek, officiated by Pastor Chad Graham.

Tom was a star football player at the Morehead City High School where he earned the sportsmanship award and graduated in 1960 at the top of his class. He was an avid reader and had a love for fast cars and pickup trucks, apart from the 1940’s model Hudson he used as his first wheels. During breaks from school and the summer season he worked with his father building houses and fishing in Bogue Sound. Because of faithfulness to his family, the work taught him to be a provider long before his time.

He was a dedicated UNC Tarheels fan and found great enjoyment watching them play. He loved seafood of all kinds, especially what he was able to catch in Bogue Sound, as well as his time on the water. In 1962 he travelled to Iquique, Chile where he worked with Finn O’Neal to build a shad factory for the community. Upon his return from Chile in 1964, he went to work in the homebuilding industry with his dad. During that time, he became a volunteer with Broad and Gales Creek Fire Department and Rescue Squad in Broad Creek, NC. He served across all ranks including Fire Chief for the department.

In 1967, Tom was hired at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, NC where he started in the tool room at NADEP and quickly moved to supervisor in that department. He thoroughly enjoyed his days working at NADEP and retired in 1995. He could have stayed home and enjoyed life, however that was not who he was. He quickly realized the leisurely life was not what he wanted. He went to work with Mechworks, installing commercial air conditioning units. He continued working for them until Parkinson’s Disease forced him to permanently retire.

On September 1, 1976, Tom married the love of his life, Nellie Arnold from Mill Creek, NC and gained 4 children who became his own. He is survived by his daughters, Marilyn Guthrie and husband Andrew of the home who were his caregivers, and April Guthrie Spatilson of Camden, NC; sons, Melton Duffy Guthrie of Maury, NC, and John Willis Jr. of Mill Creek, NC; grandchildren, Drew Guthrie (Crystal), Elaina Wingfield (Chris), Megan McCleod (Brad), Alexandra Willis, Hannah Pitcher (Ryan), Jacob Rigsby and Jayden Thomas; great-grandchildren, Wallace “ Hunter” Guthrie, Marshall Wingfield, and Donald Guthrie; great-great-grandchildren Macie, Bryce, Mason, Landon, Raelynn and Ridge; as well as many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his loving wife, Nellie Arnold Guthrie; son, George Thomas Guthrie; daughter, Irma McCabe; grandson, Brayden Thomas Guthrie; sisters, Shirley Lawrence and Annie “Sister” Guthrie; brother, Donald Guthrie; and his fur babies, Ollie and Hardy.

Tom lived a life marked by faith, service and love for his family and community. He devoted himself to God, worked tirelessly to provide for others and opened his home and heart to anyone in need. His legacy of devotion, generosity, and steadfast character will continue to inspire all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Carteret Health Care Home Health and Hospice, P.O. Box 1619, Morehead City, NC 28557, or Graham Memorial Pentecostal Holiness Church, at 3448 Mill Creek Rd., Newport, NC 28570.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.