Don Gates Guthrie, Sr.

Don Gates Guthrie, Sr., age 83, passed away on July 8, 2026, in Burlington, NC after a period of illness. He was a native of Graham, NC where he graduated from Graham High School. He spent most of his life in Hillsborough, NC where he served as minister for Calvary Baptist Church before founding and ministering at Friendly Hills Baptist Church in Hillsborough for several years. He later moved into non-ministerial positions where his outgoing and friendly personality made him well suited to public work.

He is fondly remembered by his family and many friends for his sense of humor and his desire to help others. He touched many lives through his generous spirit and years of ministry all the way through the final months of his life, as he continued to lovingly encourage, pray for and serve others as his health permitted.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 plus years, Druscilla “Dru” Clayton Guthrie; his parents William and Irene Guthrie of Graham, NC, and his sister-in-law Betsy West Guthrie of Sneads Ferry, NC. He is survived by his brother, Dr. William “Bill” Guthrie of Sneads Ferry, NC; his son and daughter-in-law Don Jr. “D.G.” and Amy Guthrie of Lexington, NC; his son Dr. David Guthrie of Midlothian, VA; his son and daughter-in-law Jonathan and Crystal Guthrie of Burlington, NC; his daughter and son-in-law Ellen and Misses Verrier of Mebane, NC and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Walker’s Funeral Home in Hillsborough, NC, on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 12pm with service to follow at 1:30 pm. Interment will be at Crossroads Baptist Church Cemetery in Hillsborough, NC

His family wishes to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to Authora Care Hospice and Alamance House of Burlington, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:

Authora Care Hospice

914 Chapel Hill Road

Burlington, NC 27215

OR

Cross Roads Baptist Church

3216 Orange Grove Rd.

Hillsborough, NC 27278