Wow! How time flies when we are having fun - I am Donna, the wife of William Guyton. Yes, many of you know me as this, and some know me as your eighth grade English teacher from years past at Richardson High School/JR. HIGH, West Monroe Jr. High, or Good Hope Middle School. Some know me as your Sunday School/ Life Group teacher at First West. However, you know me, I do have a special person in my life.
My life has been richly blessed for 54 years as Mrs. William Guyton. Our journey together has been rewarding and a great learning experience for me. Often, we read or hear about a person who lives his life as a servant to all people, but I’ve had the blessing of living with one, and seeing first- hand what true leadership/servanthood is really about.
Jesus told His disciples in Luke 22:26 that those who are the greatest should take lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. Well, I’ve seen William “serve people” in his law-enforcement career. His heart is to love, help, and encourage people. He has carried this throughout his law-enforcement career, including his service as Marshal. I often tell people that William is not a politician, but he is a true servant in the position as Marshal. Many years ago, Willian adopted the “Open Door” policy in his career where anyone and everyone is welcome, and he gives his time to listen, advise and help everyone. I don’t believe I have heard him turn anyone away that needed help-in person or over the phone. I often stand amazed at the advice and information I hear him give and wonder how he knows so much, but I know where he gets that wisdom.
William’s purpose is to give his knowledge away to help others, and I know he is a blessing to people. His job as Marshal is not for personal recognition, but he serves others regardless of the time or the place. His work as Marshal does not end at 5:00 o’clock on Friday’s. Late hours at night, even on weekends, is often his “office time” with no “overtime pay”. His pay is satisfaction in knowing that he served or helped someone. Even as Marshal of West Monroe, his mission continues.
In Ecclesiastes, the Lord tells us that there is a time for everything thing and season for every activity under Heaven. I believe that William’s service as Marshal of Ward 5/ West Monroe is still his season, and I know that God has other jobs for William as he continues to serve you as Marshal.
Thank you for your support. Please help continue this special “Service” by re-electing William Guyton as Marshal of West Monroe Ward 5 on November 3, 2020.
Thank you,
Donna Guyton
It may seem that heroes are non-existent in a day and age when people in leadership positions are self-centered, but my father, William Guyton, is my hero. I have seen him consistently serve others as he lives his life with humility by always putting himself last and everyone else first. He has faithfully served the City of the West Monroe for 53 years by edifying people and inspiring everyone to live a life with purpose.
There is no substitute for experience and wisdom, especially, when others are depending upon answers in decision-making that will help them in crucial situations. When some do not see the value of experience, self-seeking & lack of wisdom are present. In my 25+ years as an administrator in higher education and as a minister in local church ministry, I have learned from my father the positive impact experience and wisdom can have on generations.
He is a true and authentic leader in public office whose purpose is not to glorify himself but to develop others by encouraging them to aspire to do right according to the law. His life’s passion is to edify others for the purpose of bettering them, so that they will influence others and will leave a positive legacy.
You understand that leadership is earned and not unwisely granted, therefore, I urge you to wholeheartedly consider re-electing Marshal Guyton on November 3, 2020. As you re-elect William Guyton for Marshal, you can rest assured that he will lead by authentic servanthood, that he will make decisions based on his vast experience and wisdom, and that he will develop others in making law-abiding decisions.
Sincerely,
Duffy Guyton
In 2012, I was engaged to my wife and was blessed to receive an opportunity to serve as director of a youth ministry at First West called Broaden Horizons in West Monroe, Louisiana. We planned on my wife moving to West Monroe after we were married. This meant for four months I was in a new city without any friends or biological family. Thankfully, I had a relationship with Duffy Guyton who was the son of William and Donna Guyton who lived in Memphis at the time. Duffy made a phone call to his parents that would change my life forever. Little did I realize, I would gain an additional pair of parents shortly after my arrival to West Monroe. I was blessed to share days and nights with the Guyton's enjoying great food, laughing, singing, praying, and even sitting together in church just about every Sunday morning. Perhaps the greatest gift the Guyton's gave my family during our time together was the privilege to see up close the love they shared for each other and a genuine love for people from all walks of life. William and Donna Guyton are true examples of two people that, " Practice what they Preach." We love the Guyton's and count it a joyful privilege to have them in our lives.
Andrew Osakue
Senior Pastor
Vonore Baptist Church
As a retired 30 year law enforcement officer, I have on many occasions worked with our local and state agencies and Ward 5 citizens. Throughout my interactions with our area law enforcement department heads, one has been consistent and spiritually inspiring in the development of my career.
I was given guidance, encouragement, and support by Marshal William Guyton early in my career and throughout my challenging years. I witnessed Marshal Guyton’s untiring, caring, and supportive kindness and mentorship across social, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds for me and many other people.
Marshal Guyton has given himself selflessly both emotionally and financially. His loving, energetic and warm-hearted soul continues to faithfully lead and serve the citizens of Ward 5. Ward 5 can continue to be served by Marshal Guyton’s godly compassion and high level of energy as he consistently fulfills your civil needs.
Respectfully submitted,
Lawrence Moore
Retired WMPD Officer