Hatcher & Saddler Funeral Home

Serving All With Dignity and Respect Since 1899

Dr. Bobby A. Guilfoil

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April 15, 1935     ~     September 27, 2011

Dr. Bobby Austin Guilfoil, 76, of Glasgow, KY passed away September 27, 2011, peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends.

Bobby joyfully joins his wife of 50 years, Sherry Dale Little Guilfoil, who passed away May 25, 2011. Bobby grew up on a farm in Athens, Kentucky, where he developed his love for the land and animals. He attended Athens High School, playing baseball and basketball, and was active in FFA and 4-H. After graduating from Athens High School, he attended the University of Kentucky where he studied Animal Science. He left UK prior to obtaining his degree in order to accept a coveted slot at the School of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University, where he met his wife Dale. He was a member of Omega Tau Sigma professional fraternity at Auburn. He graduated from Auburn in 1961 and afterwards, was commissioned in the US Army and stationed in Staten Island, New York. He proudly served the relief veterinarian for the West Point mules. He left the service as a Captain and moved back to his beloved Kentucky where he and Dale settled in Glasgow to practice veterinary medicine and raise their family.

While in Glasgow, his love for politics emerged, leading him to being awarded Barren County Democrat of the Year in 1997, and becoming Chairman of the Barren County Democrat party in 2000. Along with politics (and his famous political pig roasts), his passion for not only animal health, but the welfare of his community, lead him to service on the Barren County Board of Health. He actively served for 40 years. He was appointed to the local Board in 1966, was Elected Chairman in 1994, where he remained until June 2006. He also was appointed to the District Board of Health in 1999. He was a longtime member and Deacon of First Christian Church in Glasgow.

While he believed in technology in his field, he was known for his innate ability to read animals and their needs. He developed life long friendships in the fields of Barren County where he was known to stop in between “calls” to show off his tobacco cutting abilities, well-honed as a child. He was compassionate and gentle, always optimistic and never in a hurry. He always had time to share.

He is survived by his three children, Kelly Knight (Judson), Marc A. Guilfoil (Katherine) both of Lexington and Micah G. Guilfoil (John Ridgill) of Louisville. He will be terribly missed by his grandchildren, Mia Moross, Jane Brady Knight, John Austin Guilfoil and Lily Guilfoil, all of Lexington. He also is survived by Troy C. Venables (Giovanna) of Danville whom he considered an adopted son. Of his 8 siblings, he is survived by sisters, Patricia Ellis of Lexington, Angela Tartar of North Carolina, and a brother, Mike Guilfoil, of Lexington. He is also survived by his beloved Aunt Florence Baesler of Lexington.

He is predeceased by his wife, Sherry Dale Little Guilfoil, originally from Hokes Bluff, Alabama, his parents, John Andrew and Lula Baesler Guilfoil, his brothers John “Junie” Guilfoil, Jr., Charles Edward Guilfoil and sisters Doris Guilfoil Phelps, Lois Guilfoil Burton and Nancy Guilfoil Graham. He also lost two of his best friends in the death of his in-laws, William “Bill” and Hazel Little of Hokes Bluff, Alabama.

Memorial services will be held at the First Christian Church of Glasgow, KY on Friday September 30, 2011 at 1:00 pm with visitation starting at 9:00am. The family would like to express appreciation to Home Instead Senior Care, T.J. Sampson Hospice services, Van Homecare and the wonderful caring sitters who showed such compassion and love to both Bobby and Dale at the last of their lives. The family would also like to thank the community and Bobby and Dale’s friends for over 47 years who made their lives and deaths so special. Alternative forms of expression of sympathy may be made in the form of donations to Barren River Animal Welfare Association “BRAWA” of Glasgow KY. Hatcher & Saddler Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.


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Guest Register

23 Entries for Dr. Bobby A. Guilfoil

  1. Linda Carter says:

    One of the most wonderful men I had ever met and it was a privilige to work for him and know him. His thoughts will always be there and his personalty will forever shine. God Bless him and Dale

  2. Shirley Bacon says:

    Micah, Marc and Kelly,

    I’m sorry for your loss. I can relate to some extent because both my mother and father passed away six months apart. As we talked during Dale’s visitation, I have many fond memories of all the family. I’m thankful we were Hutcherson Estates neighbors as well as being able to work together and develop a lasting friendship.

  3. Brenda Bush says:

    Dr.Guilfoil was the vet for my 4 rescued dogs. After I moved to Frankfort, I still brought my dogs back to him. He was wonderful with all of them but I will never forget his gentle manner with the dachshund mix in the final days of her life. May the family be comforted by knowing how much he meant to this community.

  4. Jasmine P. says:

    I am so sorry to learn of the loss of Dr. Guilfoil. He will definately be missed by all who knew him. It will be so wonderful when our ‘enemy death is brought to nothing’ and we no longer worry about if and when our loved ones will pass away. (1 Corinthians 15:26) I hope that the ‘God of all comfort’ will help you all during this sad time. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4)

  5. Jane Bowman says:

    Dr. Guilfoil will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Thoughts and prayers of comfort for your family.

  6. Scott Blair,DVM says:

    Dr Guilfoil was an excellent veterinarian who gave me good advice both about life and veterinary medicine.

  7. margaret landrum says:

    he was a great person,he was always kind when it came to animals,he will be greatly missed

  8. Kiley Chambers says:

    Where to begin…He had a heart of gold and was one of my favorite people in the world. I looked up to him so much, not only as a boss but as a friend. I will never forget hearing his stories and taking his advice. Doc G was one in a million that my animals and I are going to miss dearly.

  9. Ann Baker Phillips says:

    Dr. Guilfoil will be missed greatly in Glasgow and Barren County by animal lovers and those that like talking politics. I believe he took care of every English Springer Spaniel we ever had growing up and mom still has today.

  10. A.Kelsey [Pott] says:

    To Kelly, Marc and Micah:
    You were my very first babysitting job and what a hoot it was. I developed such a love for children because of you three, but your Mom and Dad were the ‘icing on the cake’.
    Dale and Bobby were always very near and dear to my heart, and I would hang onto every word or expression from ither.

    Thirty years later, from whatever part of the county I was living, I would call Bobby with cat questions or problems. He always had a calming cure. The reason I did that was because when I’d call my Dad, he’d say, “call Bobby, he’s small animal.”

    My Dad, Dr. Pott [large animal] and Bobby were partners at the Animal Clinic many years. So, its only natural that I spent a lot of time ‘hanging out’ there, full of questions, which Bobby’d always answer, sometimes with laughter.

    Bobby and Dale brought much joy into my life and they will be tugging at my heartstrings for many years to come.

    God Bless you real good!
    Anne Kelsey [Pott]

  11. Jesse Brown says:

    Kelly, Marc, & Micah,
    I have fond memories of both of your parents; Dale in the Home Ec. room next door and the
    many times Bobby treated my farm animals. I never saw your Dad upset with the animal he was treating and there times when he certaily had reason to be.

    It was my pleasure to have you in class and I am sorry we will be out of town this week end and will not be able to attend the service.

    May God bless you.

  12. Nancy hall pace says:

    to all the guilfoils,
    so sorry for your losses this year. your Dad was one in a million and impacted so many lives.
    Glasgow has lost two wonderful angels this year. love and prayers to all of you.

  13. Tom and Dianne Crouch says:

    My dad and Dr. Guilfoil were business partners for thirty years. Their work together bound our families together. Bobby and Dale were always so kind to everyone. I have many good memories of them.

    We are deeply sorrow about your loss. May God wrap his arms tightly around your family during this difficult time.

  14. John and Kay Crouch says:

    We are very sorry for your loss! Dr Guilfoil will be remembered with fond cherished thoughts!
    He always expressed extraordinary kindness and compassion! May God’s love embrace all of your family at this time!

  15. Maria Bryant says:

    Marc, I am very sorry for your loss. Having lost my parents many years ago, I know there are no words to make this any easier. Just know that they are in a much better place. No more pain, no more sorrow, no more tears. God has lifted them up and wrapped them in His arms. They were separated for a brief time, but they are reunited for eternity. God bless you all.

  16. STEPHANIE RUNYON MCCLELLAN says:

    Micah, SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE LOSS OF YOUR DAD . YOUR FAMILY HAS OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY.

  17. Teresa Bartlett Harris says:

    Micah & family, So very sorry for your loss! My prayers to you all!

  18. Bobby &Elizabeth Kinslow Morrison says:

    Bobby & I will miss Dr.Guilfoil. He was a wonderful vet& person. Even down here in Dickson I ran into a Vet who went to school with him. He had so many fun stories. To know that Bobby left a good impression on all he met is a wonderful thing to know.
    We are so very sorry to the family.
    thinking of you all
    Bobby & Elizabeth

  19. Joe & Kathy Crouch says:

    Micah, Marc and Kelly,
    Regretably my wife and I will be unable to make the service for your father. My mother (Elsie Crouch) greatly appreciated your Dad mowing her front field the week after my father passed away( Dr. J.J. Crouch DVM and your dad’s business partner) . That meant a lot to my mother and she spoke of it several times before she too passed on. And I remember the times I worked with him there at the Animal Clinic helping on the small animal side of the clinic and the compassion he showed for the animals under his care. He will be missed!
    Much Love to you all, and we’ll be thinking of you during your time of sorrow.
    Joe & Kathy Crouch, Lexington, KY

  20. Rita Williams Vance says:

    We have all suffered a loss with the passing of Doc. I was taught to respect him by my father at a young age. He was trully kind and helping. My prayers go out to the family in the loss of your parents. Stay strong and cherish all your memories.

  21. Karen G. Cooksey says:

    My prayers are with all the family of Dr Guilfoil. My daughter & I loved him & the staff at the Animal Clinic. He was so kind, caring, & loving with all animals. He cared about their well being, it wasn’t just a “job” to him. When we first purchased horses is when we first got to know him. I would call all the time asking what I figured was stupid questions but he never made me feel that way. He always thanked me for calling him and was sure to inform me to call with ANY questions I had. He has saved our horses with MAJOR cuts, taught us how to treat new born foals & handle them so that we could do it ourselves; he has saved puppy’s eyes (b/c their Mama wasn’t the nicest), adog legs when she got shot by a deer hunter, when other vets wanted to quickly remove limbs & such. He took the time to weigh out all options, discuss them with us, & let us choose what we were willing to do due to expenses &/or time we had to give appropriate care. That’s how we come to know how much he truly cares about people and animals of all kind. We will greatly miss him. We love the staff that is there presently, but there will never be another Dr Guilfoil. Heaven has received an awesome & wonderful man.

  22. Leigh Ann Pitcock says:

    To the family of Dr. Guilfoil, my deepest condolences to you. Your father was a great man and will be greatly missed by the community. I always felt better when I knew my animals were under his care for whatever reason. God bless you and I will pray for his comforting arms to surroung you in this time of grief.

  23. Ellen Isenberg Bunch says:

    Micah, Marc, and Kelly,

    I’m so sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. I know there are no words that I can say to help your hurt. Just know that many of us are lifting your family up in prayer. I recently read a wonderful book when I lost a dear friend. It helped so very much. It’s called “Have Heart” by Steve & Sarah Berger. It’s a quick read. But, one I think will bring comfort to any Believer who knows where their loved one has gone. God bless you all.