William Guest

William Franklin Guest (July 2, 1941 – December 24, 2015) was an American R&B/soul singer best known as a member of Gladys Knight & the Pips along with his cousins Gladys Knight, Merald "Bubba" Knight and Edward Patten. Guest was a member of the group for its entire history, from 1952 to 1989. He is a multiple Grammy Award winner and was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Gladys Knight & the Pips in 1996.[edit]

Thornton Mortuary in Detroit confirmed the passing of William Franklin Guest on Thursday, December 24, 2015. The official statement cited congestive heart failure as the cause, a ruling consistent with his age and health history. Guest had lived in Detroit for fifty years before his death, which occurred within the city he called home since his early adulthood. It was treated as a natural passing by all reporting outlets, including The Associated Press, which relayed the family's confirmation without speculation. Tributes from peers and media outlets followed immediately, with NBC Miami noting his status as a key member of Gladys Knight & the Pips on December 25, 2015.

Social media commemorations highlighted his half-century residence in Detroit and his integral role in the group's history. Details regarding the funeral or memorial service were not disclosed to the public, though the involvement of Thornton Mortuary indicated a formal service took place in the city where he resided. His estate handling remains private, but his legacy endures through the catalog of Gladys Knight & the Pips. Posthumously, his contributions remain part of the group's historical record, recognized in standard industry obituaries.[edit]