Guy F. Devenney
November 27, 1952 - February 3, 2024
Guy F. Devenney, age 71, of Dover, DE, passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones, after a short illness at Christiana Hospital.
Guy was born in Wilmington, DE on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1952. He was the son of the late William G. and Ruth L. (Garvin) Devenney, Sr. Growing up, Guy spent his summers surfing at Dewey Beach. He graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in Wilmington, Delaware in 1970. He then went on to attend Engine City Technical Institute in New Jersey. He made his career in the trucking industry as the owner/operator of William Transport for over 30 years until his retirement. In the 80’s, Guy was also owner of Palm Aire Stables in Florida. He had a passion for horses and spent his time caring for the horses he owned, training many others, and spectating at the local races and Breeders Cup. Guy was also president of the Team Delaware Swim Club and member of the Infidel Jeep Club, who sponsored the “Back To Blue” fundraiser for the police.
During his retirement, Guy, along with his wife Ruth, began raising and homeschooling their grandson, Gavin. Guy offered not only guidance and support, but unconditional love creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Guy may have been big in stature, but his impact on the world and the lives of those around him was immeasurable. He was known to his family and friends as the “Gentle Giant” and will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of calling him friend, family, or loved one.
In addition to his parents, Guy was preceded in death by his son, Gregory Alton; and brother, William Devenney, Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Ruth (Sutton) Devenney; daughter, Christine Alton; sister, Jane Meder; cherished grandson, Gavin Alton; and many nieces and nephews.
Guy and his family would like to thank his long-time physician Dr. Bernard King as well as Dr. Matthew Eppley and the staff and nurses at Christiana Care Hospital that showed such compassion and care during a difficult time.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 am until 11 am on Friday, February 9, 2024, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment will follow in Hickory Grove Cemetery, Port Penn Road, Port Penn, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Guy’s memory to New Vocations Race Horse Adoption Program, 719 Dolan Lane, Lexington, KY 40511 or online by clicking here.
Ruth
It breaks my heart not to have him with us however he was in such pain and unable to move at the end and we all know that is not Guy. This was rather quick so if he didn’t let you know he was sick it was because he didn’t have much time . He was blessed to have friends from all walks of life !
Gloria Miccarelli
Oh Ruth, so very sorry about your loss of your beloved Guy. May all your happier memories bring you peace in your heart & strength of your spirit. Blessings & prayers be with you & your family 🙏♥️
Fred and Pam Frank
Ruth, Christine, Gavin and Jane,
Our hearts are just broken for you and for all of us that knew him and were lucky enough to be a small part. Our memories are countless and will never ever be forgotten. A force he was and will be forever. Love, Pam, Fred, Natalie and Mary.
Tim Evers
My condolences to the family. Guy was one of a kind.
Holly Buckworth
My condolences to Ruth and her family! I can still remember the first time I met Guy I was scared to death of him! lol. But once I got to know him I learned that he was a big teddy bear! RIP Guy..
Paula Riley
Ruth and family he was well loved by all. May God give you the strength to get through your days ahead. God bless Julio and Paula
Rachel Hoffman
There is a huge whole in the world now that Guy is with Greg and his brother. He was an absolute sweetheart to me and am a better person for knowing him. He will be missed. I love you guys and my thoughts are with you in this time of loss.
Donna Golliday
Prayers for the whole family. I wish all of you peace and healing in this difficult time.
Carrie Wyatt
Ruth, wishing you every comfort as you grieve this heartbreaking loss.😢
Jack and Beverley McConnell
What a great loss! He was kind and a good friend to all people that knew him. We met him through Team Delaware. He loved kids and it showed. Ruth we know how much he loved you and his family. God bless you and keep you close at this difficult time.
Laura Price
Sending our love and deepest sympathy. Guy’s life was a blessing, he was loved beyond words and will be deeply missed. Please know that you are surrounded by love and prayers.
Denise Mahoney
I am so sorry for your loss and I am thinking about you and your family.
Cassandra Wilkerson
Ruth & Family, my condolences and prayers are with you and the family. God bless, Cassandra & Family. ❤️🙏🏼
Carolyn Maxwell Thompson
Ruth- My sincere condolences to you and your family. May your memories of Guy and his life well-lived be a blessing, lending comfort and peace.
Alan miller
Going to miss you my friend.RIP
Denise Mullin
Ruth and Family,
Guy was such a wonderful person to work with. My condolences to all of you.
Denise and Bob Mullin
Kathy henry
Ruth you know what you and Guy were to me. I am so sorry for your loss Ruth.I will be here when ever you need me
Annette Faltot
Ruth I am so sad for you and your family. I did not know Guy well but he was a great person. Please contact me. Love you. You are in my prayers.
Cousin Annette
Kathy Garrett
Ruth,
I can’t even imagine the pain of your loss. It was incredible how he gave his all to homeschool Gavin. My arms are around you❤️
Gavin Alton
You meant the world to me, I appreciate everything you did for me and for teaching me all that I know aswell as raising me to be the man I am today and i will forever cherish that and all the great memories. I will live my life for you and always be strong especially for Mimi and you will live on as long as I’m around since we are very alike. I LOVE YOU AND EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU Even when you get mad haha. Just a hug or a I love you made my days. It’s impossible to describe you with words, But a few words I would say supportive, kind, strong, caring, brave, funny, and amazing are some to describe you but you’re wayyyy more than all that. Driving around or going to fun places or you showing me old places you used to go and telling me about your life and past memories was my favorite. Your life sounded great I wish I could have been there to see it many years ago. And although I only had 18 years with you, it was the best 18 years I will ever have so I will cherish that and make you proud
Love Gavin,
your the best Bubba ever and forever
Gale duncan
Dear Ruth and family,
We are so sorry..
Our memories of Guy was that he was bigger than life, always willing to help n find solutions to our issues at Team Delaware n swim meets. His sense of humor was fun n he definitely made us laugh.
I will never forget the brainstorming to get water into a pool in order to have swim practices..thank goodness for his brilliant idea to get recycle pool water w a tankard no less, during the drought.
I know losing this amazing husband. Father n grandfather will be difficult n beyond sad. 🙏🏻🙏🏻💖Prayers that the good memories will prevail n provide daily comfort. Hugs for each of you
Love n prayers
Gale, Taylor and Robby Duncan
Christine Alton
Thank you dad for teaching me so much about life and how to be tough & not jet people walk over me!! I’m as tough as I am today because you taught me don’t take NO SHIT LOL 😂 thanks for all you did for Greg, Gavin and mom !!! We will definitely have to adjust on how to navigate this crazy life without you! FLY HIGH DAD❤️
Cheryl
I’m so sorry for your loss. Guy captured everyone’s heart. He had a glow about him that will always light your way. Such a treasure you, Gavin, Christine and Gregory were fortunate to have. He will certainly be missed.
Renee Bucksner
Guy we were friends for many years I remember going to Brandywine. With you and My Grand father I have pictures of everyone with
The horses we lost contact for a few years but I will never forget you May you Rest in . Peace
Pete Romano
Ruth and family
I am so sorry to hear of Guys passing. He certainly was a kind and caring man. Having that common bond of the love of horses I so enjoyed our conversations every time he would come in to the deli. Bless you and your family
David Churchman
Ruth: I am so sorry to learn of Guy’s passing. Thank you for taking interest in an old email between Guy and myself, and reaching out to inform me of Guy’s passing. Guy and I met as friends in the 1960’s when my family vacationed on Bellevue Street in Dewey Beach. Guy and I became summer “buddies”, every summer until we started high school. One activity we enjoyed was playing baseball with other summer friends. We played on a vacant lot at the end of Bellevue Street, adjacent to the O’Hagan property. Guy could really hit a baseball. I remember one time when he hit the ball so hard that it went through the wooden fence that was supporting the sand dunes. We all stood there in amazement! We enjoyed swimming in the waves, beach bon fires with our families and just “hanging out” for the summer. My parents enjoyed it when Guy joined us for a meal in our cottage. Through Guy, I got to know his sister Jane and her family. We mourned together when we found out that Jane’s husband Paul was MIA in Vietnam. I carried Paul’s memory in my heart, throughout my military service, praying for Paul’s safe return home. I lost contact with Guy when we entered high school, except for maybe an occasional meeting during the summer months. After reading all of the condolences, I am comforted to know that Guy turned out to be such a great man, loved and respected by his family, friends, and community. I am also happy to see his current photo posted with his obituary. Other than being a little older, I see the same happy face and smile. Rest in peace, my Friend. Thanks for the great childhood memories. Love You!!!
Renee Bucksner
Guy I was thinking of you today this article came up on my Facebook page and I thought of how many good times we had
MEMORY LANE
Brandywine Raceway
Brandywine Raceway was the 28th harness racing plant in the nation opening for its first season in 1952-53. In 1960, Brandywine converted its racetrack from a half-mile course to a five-eighth mile oval adding a new clubhouse featuring a window which could become open-air when weather permitted. Brandywine closed after several seasons of steep losing financial setbacks in 1989.
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I miss you my Dad ( Art) and my Pop Pop Ray and Judy
I will never forget the great times