Eddie Frank Gutshall

Eddie Frank Gutshall, 75, of Goochland, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at his home. 

He was born December 17, 1948 in Highland County, a son of the late Arnet Gutshall and Kathleen (Hensley) Gum. 

Eddie grew up in Highland and Advent Christian Village in Dowling Park, Florida. After graduating from Highland High in 1967, he went to school to become an electrician. He retired from Alcoa Aluminum Plant in Richmond in 2011. He had been a member of the Lion’s Club, Richmond Beekeepers Association, and the Purple Martin Society. Eddie was a member of Hamilton Chapel Advent Christian Church in Mustoe and attended Fork of Willis Baptist Church in Cumberland. 

Along with the numerous hobbies and interests that he enjoyed, Eddie was a beekeeper, purple martin landlord, and farmer. He kept a huge garden, and also grew a variety of heirloom apple trees that he grafted himself. Eddie was well known for growing the absolute best tomatoes and potatoes, and he always shared his bounty with friends and neighbors.

Eddie was a wealth of knowledge on genealogy, especially about the people and places in his beloved Highland County. He researched and collected many forgotten photos, letters and documents from days gone by, which he enjoyed sharing with others.

Eddie was a skilled outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He always looked forward to deer season in the fall and spring turkey season. He had a genuine passion for the outdoors. You would always find him outside or in his shed working on various projects; he could make and fix anything. 

Eddie was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and his family loved and adored him. He enjoyed and appreciated the simple pleasures in life, such as his early morning coffee and homecooked meals. He also enjoyed listening to bluegrass music and could play the guitar and mandolin without ever having had a lesson. He was a friend to many and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Allen and David Gutshall. 

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jessie (Bird) Gutshall; daughter, Vickie Gutshall Rapalee and husband, Todd; a grandson, Dillon Rapalee; siblings, Grady Gutshall of Staunton, Jean McElwee and husband, Gene of Hot Springs, Jim Gutshall of Dowling Park, Fla., and Davonna Rexrode and husband, Ron of Staunton. He will be missed by a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews as well as his many devoted friends.

He chose to be cremated, and his family will commemorate his life privately.

Memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association at als.org.