Lee Paul Gutierrez was born in 1903 to Henry J. and Rose Venus Gutierrez. He married Katherine Evelyn Slay in 1924 and reared four sons, Lee, Jr., Henry, Ramon and Frank.
Lee would follow in his father’s footsteps, providing ice and coal to the families and businesses in Biloxi and surrounding areas. Under Lee’s command, the business would grow beyond the horse and buggy delivery service into Biloxi Freezing Company that would offer its customers blocks, sized, cubed and crushed ice. This company, established by Gutierrez and business partner, Glenn Swetman, in 1946 was more than just a business, but a burgeoning legacy that would be passed down to his sons and generations beyond. Biloxi Freezing was instrumental in the success of the seafood industry as it provided ice directly to the boat captains in a form that was more efficient and effective in preserving the catch throughout the processing steps and then providing cold storage for restaurants and seafood shops.
Business and civic-minded, Gutierrez was not only involved in the ice and coal transport service but was also involved in excavation business. He constructed the golf course for the old White House of Biloxi and served as one of the early commissioners for the city. He contributed his time to the Back Bay Volunteer Fire Company and was an active member of the Biloxi Elks Lodge.
Retiring from his role as CEO of the Biloxi Freezing Company in 1968, he handed the reins to his son, Lee, Jr. who would continue the legacy with his brothers’ assistance and cooperative efforts.
Lee Gutierrez, Sr. would live in Biloxi, consulting with his sons on business matters until his passing in 1979.
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