COL Guy D. Colado (Gamma Pi–Florida Southern ’64) was conferred the Knight Commander’s Accolade by Knight Commander C. Douglas Simmons III at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes during Meeting III of the 80th Convention in Orlando, Florida.
A native of Winter Park, Florida, Guy attended Florida Southern College on a Florida Bankers Association Scholarship. As an undergraduate, Guy participated in ROTC and served as Number I of his chapter.
Upon graduation, Guy was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, Infantry. He served in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade as platoon leader, executive officer, and company commander. As the result of this duty, he wears the parachutist badge and the Combat Infantry Badge.
Upon discharge in 1969, Guy married his wife of 53 years, Donna, and entered Rollins College where he received his MBA while beginning his career as a community banker.
In 1971, Guy was called back to the U.S. Army reserves. After 30 years of service, Guy retired in 1997 as a Colonel and was awarded the Legion of Merit.
As an advocate for community banking, Guy organized the National Bank of Commerce in 1985, which sold to Wachovia Bank in 2001.
In 2003, Guy and his son Ray Colado (Iota–Furman ’92) organized Commerce Bank & Trust which celebrated 20 years of operation at its Winter Park location earlier this year. Guy continues to serve as chairman of the board of the bank’s holding company and as a member of the bank’s board of directors.
During his 50+ years of banking and 30 years in the U.S. Army Reserves, Guy has been active in his community as a board member for many charitable, civic, religious, and professional organizations.
Guy attended the Order’s Centennial in 1965 and Sesquicentennial in 2015, both held in Lexington and Roanoke, Virginia. He is a member of the Loyal Order, a Forever KA participant, and a 10-year member of the KAOEF’s Crimson & Gold Society.
