Robert Otis Guthrie

Robert Otis Guthrie, 91, of Harkers Island, passed away Wednesday, September, 21, 2016 at Crystal Coast Hospice House.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, September 24, 2016 at Free Grace Wesleyan Church with Rev. Clinton Nelson officiating.  Interment to follow at Red Hill Cemetery.

Robert was born on May 12, 1925 to Willie O. and Ruby Guthrie.  He graduated from Harkers Island High School in 1942 and was married to Virginia Dare Davis on December 10, 1948.  In 1949 his only child, a daughter, Wanda Dare was born.

Throughout the years he worked as a commercial fisherman, a boat builder with Morehead City Yacht Basin, and a crewmember on a trawler.  He later began working with the NC Division of Marine Fisheries on the research vessels, Dan Moore and Carolina Coast.   As captain on these vessels he traveled up and down the east coast and the Gulf of Mexico, retiring in 1990.

Robert was very meticulous in every job he set out to accomplish.  He could do electrical work, build boats, make and mend nets, and fish.  He was also an excellent carpenter, building the home he lived in until his death.  One of his favorite jobs was working in his home garden.

Robert stayed active until the last weeks of his life.  He loved the Island and the Island way of life.  He also loved his family, especially his brother, whom he nicknamed “Pete”.  Besides family, he found pleasure in always having a favorite cat by his side throughout the years.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Virginia Dare Guthrie; daughter, Wanda Dare Davis and husband Michael; grandson, David Robin Floyd; great-grandson, David Allen Floyd; and brother, William S. “Pete” Guthrie.  He is also survived by a large family of in-laws and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie O. and Ruby Guthrie; a sister, Ethel Doris Guthrie; and infant brother, William Henry Guthrie.

The family will welcome friends one hour prior to the service at Grace Wesleyan Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Free Grace Wesleyan Church, 140 Old Ferry Dock Road, Harkers Island, NC  28531.

Online condolences may be made at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements are by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory, Morehead City, NC.