Church Point, LA:         A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 PM Saturday, May 22, 2021 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Church Point, LA for Austin Joseph Guidry, Jr., 76. Mr. Guidry, a native of Church Point and resident of Lewisburg, LA, passed away May 10 at his residence. Rev. Father "Père" Rozas, Parochial Vicar of the church, will be the celebrant of the Mass and will conduct the entombment in the Guidry Family Columbarium in the OLSH Cemetery adjacent to the church. Visitation will be limited to the mass and entombment.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gernice Winn Guidry of Lewisburg; a daughter, Layna Guidry Swope and husband Stephen and a son, James Kevin Guidry and wife Connie Fontenot Guidry-all of Lewisburg; three grandchildren: Jules Swope, Jacob Reese and Zachary Reese and fianceé Amanda Ravain; two sisters-in-law, Jane Winn Quibodeaux and Barbara Simon Winn and his nieces and nephews: Lance Thibodeaux, wife Cynthia and children; Rodney and Ricky Quibodeaux; Bryan, Marcus and Jason Winn and George and Charlotte Abshire. He was preceded in death by his parents, Austin J. Guidry, Sr. and Rosie D'Amores Guidry and sister, Alida Marie Guidry LaFleur. Austin, employed by the St. Landry Parish School Board for 35 years, was the first parish driver to transport St. Landry and Evangeline Parish students who attended the Louisiana Schools for the deaf and visually impaired to Baton Rouge every Friday and Sunday. Students in his care meant the world to him and he was often at the Central Office on their behalf. He enjoyed the opportunity to chauffeur area princesses who participated in the Yambilee Festivals and was honored when asked to transport troops to Fort Polk during Desert Storm. Austin also worked part-time for Dimmick Supply and proudly served as a Church Point Volunteer Fireman and in Civil Defense for many years. A gentle, non-judgmental giant with a heart of gold, a kind generous soul and who loved the Lord and his country; Austin adored his wife and children. Family and friends meant everything to him and he would do anything in his power for them. From day one, his son Kevin was his "best bud". The "best shade tree mechanics"; they fished, hunted and worked on welding projects and outboard motors. The "apple of his eye", Layna, was his "Lewisburg Princess" and he treated her that way to the end. His grandson, Jules, taught him the art of Nerf Dart Battles and, once the floor was littered with darts, they took their battle to the porch to an ice chest filled with water balloons. "Big Daddy", as he was affectionately known, always had a cache of batteries ready for their next shenanigans. He also felt blessed and proud of his additional gifts, grandsons Jake and Zach and "the keeper", Amanda, who completed his family unit. Austin's battle with serious heart and kidney disease in recent years showed his strength, dignity and courage in facing challenges. Despite adversity, he came out a hero in the end. The family extends much gratitude to the outstanding medical team who worked tirelessly to provide exceptional care, namely: Dr. Syed Fazel, Dr. Anthony Blalock, Dr. Thad Bourque, Dr. Robert Casanova, the wonderful staff at Acadia-St. Landry Hospital Swing Bed Unit and Med-Express. To the incredible Dr. Michael and Mrs. Jackie Williams and NSI team (Amy, Heather, Sam and Meagan): "Your medical expertise, compassion and love are second to none. You not only treated Big Daddy as a patient, you treated him as a friend...you lifted his spirit...and for that, we will be eternally grateful...THANK YOU." IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, donations may be made to the Heart and Kidney Foundations or a charity of one's choice.