Robert Franklin "Dickie" Guthrie, age 80, of Palestine, TX passed away on Friday, September 23, 2022 in Palestine. He was born November 1, 1941 in Brushy Creek, Texas to Robert Lee and Izzie Winnie (Klutts) Guthrie.

Visitation will be at Bailey and Foster Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 28 from 6-8 and the services will be Thursday, September 29 at 2:00 pm in the Chapel at the funeral home.

After the death of his wife, Etta Bell Armstrong Guthrie on July 19, 2008, Robert continued as pastor of Grace & Truth Gospel Tabernacle in Palestine. He passed down to his children and grandchildren his love of fishing and hunting. He may not have always followed the rules while teaching them the sport but he did love sharing the outdoors with them and making memories that will last a lifetime. Oh, the stories these children can tell of their Dad and Pawpaw!

Dickie was the epitome of a very giving person. The saying "he would give you the shirt off is back" was truly him and many times he did just that. He would share Jesus with anyone he met and invite them to church in hopes they would come to know his Lord and Savior.

Dickie is proceeded in death by his wife, Ette Bell, his parents, daughter Deborah Essary Cook, infant grandson Jonathan Cook and siblings Sam, Luke, Wayne, Bill, Buddy, Norris and Ann.

Left to cherish his memories are his children, Paul (Doenye) Essary of Lake Palestine, Martha (Terry) Bing of Oakwood, Mary (Phillip) Brooks of Palestine and Effie (Steve) Williams of Bradford. He leaves behind his two precious sisters, whom he loved dearly, Ethel "Sister" Berryhill of Palestine, Texas and Ina Reynolds of Breckenridge, Texas. The light of his life were his 12 grandchildren Jefferey (Shekinah) Cook, John-David (Melody) Cook, Amanda Cook, Jimmy (Angie) Collins, Deanna (Bryan) Zoeller, Joshua (Brooke) Bracke, Vannessa (Brad) Clanton, Heather (Chad) Drew, Brandon (Kristin) Brooks, Ricky (Kenzi) Brooks, Hank (Kristen) Williams and Mary-Beth (Kent) Pickle. He would always ask "How are my babies" referring to his 32 great-grandchildren. Names were never his strong suit. He had numerous nieces and nephews that he loved as well.

He is also survived by a special friend, Betty Perkins, who was his companion for the last few years.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Jefferey Cook, John-David Cook, Joshua Bracke, Brandon Brooks, Ricky Brooks, Hank Williams, Jimmy Collins, Brad Clanton, Kent Pickle.

Honorary Pallbearers will be lifelong friends Bubba Abbott, Jeff Harris, and Dave Brooks.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Traditions Health, Palestine Regional Medical Center, and TruCare Living Center. The kindness shown by the nurses and staff that cared for our daddy with love and patience over the last few months did not go unnoticed.

To view online leave condolences or sign the guest book go to www.baileyandfosterfuneralhome.com.