Jose Guillermo Guardia passed away in Panama City, Republic of Panama on November 5, 2008.
A memorial service will be held at St. Williams Catholic Church on Saturday, November 29 at 11:00 am with Father Daniel O’Connell, Monsignor Lawrence Lucree, and Reverend Steve O’Neal officiating.
He was born August 29, 1922 in Penonome, Panama to Elida Jaen and Fernando Guardia. He graduated from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri with a degree in civil engineering. In St. Louis, he married Mary Ann Williamson and they resided in Puerto Rico before settling in Panama. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Ann, brothers Mario and Roberto, and sisters Leticia and Eugenia.
In 1987, Jose married Louise Wiggins and moved to Fitzgerald where he soon became a very active member of the community. He volunteered for the adult literacy program and as a Spanish interpreter for local law enforcement, health services, and schools. Jose was a deeply caring gentleman devoted to helping others. He enjoyed Fitzgerald, his many friends here, and actively participated until his health declined. He was a faithful member of St. Williams Catholic Church and enjoyed attending First Baptist Church.
Jose is survived by his wife Louise Thomas Guardia of Fitzgerald, brother Fernando, sisters Irene and Margarita, of Panama and children: Tere (& Enoch) Delgado, Joe (& Monica) Guardia, Jeannie (& Frank) Zeimetz, Fernando (& Ana Lisa) Guardia, and Tommy Guardia, all of Panama City, Panama, Mary Ann Guardia of Penonome, Panama, Bobby Guardia (& Marisa) of Jacksonville, Florida, Johnny (& Charlene) Guardia of Honolulu, Hawaii, Elida (& Luis) Bonet of Austin, Texas, and three stepdaughters Gina Wiggins and Laura (& Roger) Norris of Fitzgerald and Lisa (& Todd) Stanfill of Columbus, Ga. He is also survived by 27 grandchildren.