Col. Howard Ralph Guffey

COL. HOWARD R. GUFFEY STAUNTON, VA… Col. Howard Ralph Guffey, 87, husband of Jean (Darrah) Guffey, of Staunton, died Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at Avante at Waynesboro. He was born December 3, 1930 in Rockbridge County, a son of the late Fadeley and Ada (Sandridge) Guffey. Col. Guffey graduated from Augusta Military Academy and Davidson College. He received his Master’s Degree from Shippensburg University. He was drafted into the Army where he served and completed Officer’s Candidate School and was a Commissioned Officer in field artillery. He also completed Jump School to become a paratrooper. Howard served in the 11th Airborne Division, 82nd Airborne Division, and 1st Calvary Division during a tour in Vietnam. He also served in the 18th Airborne Corp. He attended the U.S. Army War College and was Commander of the 212 Artillery Group. His last post was serving in the Department of the Inspector General of the Army. He retired with 33 years of service. He was a cofounder of Military Professional Resources Inc. When he fully retired he located back to Staunton where he was a lifelong member of Augusta Stone Presbyterian Church. He was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Distinguished Service Medal as well as other commendations. In addition to his wife of 60 years, family members include a daughter and son-in-law, Lisabeth Darrah Abel-Polek and Frank Polek of La Mesa, CA; a son and daughter-in-law, Fadeley Michael and Judy Guffey of Staunton; a sister-in-law, Peggy Guffey; 8 grandchildren, Ryan Lisabeth Savino, Clayton Michael Abel, Ashley Darrah Thompson, Drew Edward Abel, Kristin Michelle Trask, Sarah Marie Guffey, Clara Genevieve Remmes, and Molly Anne Jarrette Wincek; and sixteen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ada Frances Quick and brother, Albert Leslie Guffey. A funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 10, 2018 in Augusta Stone Presbyterian Church by the Rev. Beth McCrary. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 until 6 p.m. Friday, February 9, 2018 in the Henry Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Augusta Stone Presbyterian Church Capital Improvement Fund, P.O. Box 118, Fort Defiance, VA 24437.