"…And when great souls die, after a period peace blooms, slowly and always irregularly.   Spaces fill with a kind of soothing electric vibration.   Our senses, restored, never to be the same, whisper to us.   They existed.   They existed.   We can be.  Be and be better.  For they existed."  - Maya Angelou

Papa Joe, Deda, Joseph, Joe Claude Guillory was born on June 15, 1943 in Mallet, LA unto Eurick and Lillian Guillory.   He was the eighth of nine children.   His love for the country began in his childhood with hunting, fishing, trapping, boating, gardening, building and plumbing.   Papa Joe deemed himself, "the best cook in the family".    Not only did he pride himself in teaching himself how to cook, he also took pride in raising his own food – hogs, chickens and rabbits.   As we all know, Papa Joe was game to eat anything.   Absolutely anything – coon, possum, squirrel, alligator, frog, blood boudin…

Papa Joe's family moved to Lake Charles where he received his primary and secondary education.    He graduated from Washington High School in 1962.    After graduating, Papa Joe joined the Army and took pride in serving his Country.     The majority of his work life was spent with PPG and the US Postal Service.    As he became older and his health issues increased, Papa Joe retired from the Postal Service in 1998.

In 1968, Papa Joe married Harriet Citizen, ne'e Babineaux.   Unto this union three children were born, Shannon Merritt, Davin Guillory and Jobe Guillory.    For the past 22 years, Papa Joe has been married to Estelle Guillory, ne'e Simien.   Mama Estelle brought three daughters to their union, Merry Skinner-Milbry, Sherry Skinner and Brandy Skinner.   Throughout their marriage, Mama Estelle lovingly cared for Papa Joe (through sickness and health).

Papa Joe was a faithful member and Head Deacon at Christians of Eternal Faith Ministries, under the tutelage of Pastor Betty Gasaway.   He loved the Lord and professed his love to everyone.

On Tuesday, July 20, 2021, Joseph Claude Guillory gained his Heavenly wings.     He was preceded in death by his parents, Eurick and Lillian Guillory; brothers, Albert Guillory, John Guillory and Peter Guillory; sisters, Lou Ella Lafluer and Lou Bertha Jolivette; and grandson, Brandon Merritt.    Papa Joe leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Estelle Guillory; siblings, Paul Guillory, Lou (Harry) Lemonier and Barbara Pappillion, all of Lake Charles,LA ; children, Shannon (Thomas) Merritt, Davin (Toya) Guillory, Jobe (Danielle) Guillory, all of Lake Charles, LA and Merry (Eugene) Skinner-Milbry, Sherry Skinner and Brandy Skinner, all of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Shaina Merritt, Briana Merritt, Ka'Le Guillory, Shamarah Victorian, Tarren Merritt, LaShayla Victorian and Jayden Victorian, all of Lake Charles, LA; Diamond Cason and Kadence Carter of Houston, TX; great grandchildren, Riley Merritt, Ava Eugene and Rhaje Joseph and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.