Colonel James Mayo Guy, U.S. Army-retired, known as Pete, peacefully passed away at home on February 12, 2024, at the age of 81 while surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, Nina Moir West of 57 years, and their two girls, Lowery Guy Van Buskirk (Dan) and Penn Guy Smith (Matthew). Additionally, he leaves behind four grandchildren, Peter Walsh Van Buskirk, Grace Lowery Van Buskirk, Jackson Garland Smith, and Nina Moir Smith.
Pete was a native of Norfolk, Va., and the son of the late Louis Lee Guy, Grace Baxter Mayo Guy Baker, and Calvin Cline Baker. He was preceded in death by his brother, Louis Lee Guy Jr. and his wife, Suzanne West Guy. He is survived by his brother-in-law, Francis Thornton West Jr. and his wife Kaky; his sister-in-law, Wysor West Gearhart and her husband Bill. He was affectionately known as Uncle Pete to his nieces and nephews, including James Thornton Guy, Louis Lee Guy III, Francis West Guy, Katherine Finley West (Wren), Francis Thornton West III (Dr. Frank), Suzanne West Clark, William Chandler Gearhart, and Bentley Gearhart Dorn.
A Vietnam War veteran and former Commander of Military Traffic Management Benelux Terminal, Pete retired as a Colonel after 26 years of dedicated service in the U.S. Army. He also was stationed at various locations, including Fort Eustis, Fort Story, Korea, and the Pentagon. Honors awarded during his career include the Legion of Merit, Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3), Joint Services Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (4), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal (4). He graduated from Old Dominion University, Armed Forces Staff College, and the Army War College. Additionally, Pete earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the College of William and Mary. Pete was a member of Christ Episcopal Church where he served as treasurer.
Pete discovered his love for the water while spending time with fellow River Rats on the Lafayette River in Norfolk. After retiring to Mathews, Virginia, he and Nina continued to enjoy boating, playing Duplicate Bridge where he earned Bronze Life Master, entertaining friends and family, and traveling the world together. He was a devoted fan of the Redskins and had a special affinity for dogs. Walter, Pete’s last dog, was always by his side.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday the 13th of April at 11 a.m. at Christ Church, Mathews, followed by a reception at the Parish House. The family thanks Riverside Hospice, Amy Franz, and Ricky Belvin for their kindness and dedicated care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kingston Parish or the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society.