PORT GIBSON — Fred Preston Guthrie died Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009, at his home in Port Gibson. He was 81.

Mr. Guthrie was a lifelong resident of Port Gibson. He was a graduate of Louisiana State University, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He was a veteran of the Navy, serving in World War II.

He managed Claiborne Hardware Implement Co. and also owned and operated Claiborne Car Care Inc. He was a member of the Port Gibson Lions Club.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Port Gibson, in which he was ordained a deacon and ruling elder.

Mr. Guthrie was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Guthrie, in 1995; his parents, Shreve and Katie Guthrie; and a sister, Sarah Guthrie.

He is survived by six daughters, Carol Ruth Guthrie and Denise G. Luna, both of Kemah, Texas, Kay G. Marsh of Seabrook, Texas, Sarah G. Wrobleski of Houston, Texas, Freddy G. Tisdale of Covington, La., and Nan G. Wilson of Port Gibson; his twin brother, W. Shreve Guthrie Jr. of Port Gibson; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Services will be at 2 p.m. today at First Presbyterian Church in Port Gibson with the Rev. Michael Herrin officiating. Burial will follow at Wintergreen Cemetery under the direction of Glenwood Funeral Home of Port Gibson. Visitation will be at the church from noon until the service.

Pallbearers will be Lem Montgomery, David Donald, Raymond Willis, Spence Willis, Kenny Strawn, Jimmy Cassell Jr., Preston Marsh and Alex Wrobleski.

Honorary pallbearers will be elders of First Presbyterian Church of Port Gibson.