Oakman, Alabama Born Melissa Guthrie, Wife Of Guthrie’s Founder, Passes Away
Sad news for the historic Guthrie's restaurant family and Alabama. The Guthrie family's matriarch Melissa Guthrie has died.
A post on Guthrie's Facebook page confirmed Melissa Guthrie passed away Tuesday, November 9th.
Melissa graduated from the University of Alabama with a master's degree in education. She was the wife of the founder of the historic Guthrie's restaurant, Hal Guthrie, who passed away just two years ago.
According to a statement released on Facebook, Melissa Guthrie was a big part of the family. "She was the matriarch of the Guthrie family and played a vital role in every aspect of their lives," the statement read. "She was instrumental in developing the Guthrie's brand. Melissa's faithfulness to the Lord was evident in her unending generosity to her family, her church, and her community. She was known as a powerful prayer warrior to many. "
Mellissa's husband Hal Guthrie grew up in Jasper, Alabama, and opened the first drive-in restaurant in 1965 in Haleyville. According to Guthrie's site, Hal came into his restaurant in 1978 and announced to his wife, Melissa, and four children that they were going to begin serving chicken fingers. Since then, Guthrie's has expanded across the south with restaurants in Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, and Georgia.
"Melissa will be missed by so many. but her legacy of deep gratitude, encouragement and love of Jesus Christ will live on for generations to come." read a statement posted on Facebook.
Visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church in Haleyville, Alabama on Monday, November 15, 2021, from 11:00 to Noon. The funeral will begin at noon.
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