Ronnie Mac Guidry

Ronnie Mac Guidry, 69, died peacefully at home on Sunday, October 22, 2023, surrounded by those he loved and who loved him.

Ronnie was the son of Frankie McCranie Guidry and Arthur Amos Guidry, Sr. He was born at St. Therese Hospital on December 30, 1953, and grew up in Beaumont.

Ronnie lived in Beaumont and the Golden Triangle for most of his life, and also lived in Baghdad, Iraq, with his family from 1958-1960. Ronnie attended Assumption Catholic School and graduated from Monsignor Kelly High School.

A remarkable man in so many ways, Ronnie was skilled at repairing anything — from a toaster to an air conditioner — and was a friend to many, befriending those who were lonely or down on their luck. Ronnie had a kind and loving heart and a gentle demeanor. He would give anyone who needed it the shirt off his back, even if he didn’t have another himself.

Ronnie loved his mother, Frankie, with his whole heart, and enjoyed being at the beach, fishing, and building a beach house with his Dad. In many ways Ronnie was a solitary man, but he loved his family fiercely.  He always had a kind word for everyone.

Ronnie loved animals and living things of all kinds.  As a child, he had a pet monkey, a myna bird, cats, dogs, and parakeets.  He could gently hold the tiniest living creature and make it feel safe and loved in his big hands.  Rescuing and rehoming many hurt and abandoned animals was a passion he and Kim shared.  Ronnie could also plant the smallest seedling and have it flourish under his care.

Ronnie is survived by his companion and caregiver of 33 years, Kimberly Smith; his daughter, Rachel Guidry and her husband and two sons; his sister, Zelma Milgram Reid; and his nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents, Hazel and Floyd Mack; and his brother, Arthur Amos Guidry, Jr.

Zelma and Kim would like to thank Altus Hospice Care, especially Kami, Christina, Tara, and Sandra for their care during Ronnie’s lengthy illness. Also, special thanks to Reverend Monsignor Jerry McGrath for visiting Ronnie and attending to his spiritual needs during his last days.

A graveside service for Mr. Guidry will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Ronnie will be laid to rest next to his mother, Frankie.

Pallbearers will be Kim’s son, Jeremy Smith, longtime friends, Al Reed, Joe Danna and Tom Koger, Ronnie’s brother-in-law, Bill Reid, and his nephew, Sam Guidry.