In December 1991, Patrick Allen Guild, known as Pat, vanished without a trace. A man who once dreamed of becoming a songwriter in Nashville, Pat’s life had been a journey marked by both ambition and hardship. Now, his daughter, who has not seen him since she was just two years old, is determined to fulfill her dream of finding him—seeking answers to the questions that have haunted their family for decades.
What Happened
Pat Guild, a former pipefitter, moved from Arizona to Nashville in May 1985, hoping to make it as a songwriter. However, the reality of pursuing that dream was far tougher than he expected. In Nashville, he spent eight months living in “Tent City” under the Interstate 24/40 overpass. With limited resources, he built a makeshift cabin from scrap materials, which was later photographed and featured in a 1989 Tennessean article. The article highlighted Pat’s resilience as he survived living on the streets, washing his clothes in a nearby stream, and forming a close-knit community with others living in similar conditions.
Despite his difficult circumstances, Pat’s cabin stood as a symbol of his determination. In his own words, he told the Tennessean, “My Mamma didn’t raise me to be a slob. She didn’t raise me to give up either.” He was working with the Nashville Street Poets and preparing for an upcoming role in a play about homelessness. He had a dog named Bullet and was beginning to make strides in building a life despite his hardships.
Who Was Patrick Allen Guild?
Born on October 10, 1959, Pat Guild was 6’1” and weighed around 170 lbs. He had brown hair, blue eyes, and distinct features, including a long vertical scar on the outer edge of his right eye and a Yosemite Sam tattoo on his forearm. Pat had a history of run-ins with the law, but none were severe enough to indicate that he would leave voluntarily. His last known court appearance occurred in 1990 in Davidson County.
His last known whereabouts were on December 1, 1991. After that date, no trace of him has been found, and his disappearance remains a mystery. His family, especially his daughter, has been searching for him ever since. She began her quest to find her father when she became an adult and officially reported him missing in 2018, although his NamUs profile was created in 2016. Pat’s daughter is determined to find out what happened to him, hoping to uncover answers that have eluded them for decades.
A Life with Few Records
Detective Matthew Filter, who has been involved in the investigation, has shared that there is no concrete proof of Pat’s life or death. Pat’s minimal paper trail—few records of his existence—has made this case particularly challenging. Despite this, his daughter’s determination to find him has kept the search for answers alive. She dreams of finding closure, hoping to reconnect with the man who was once a dreamer like herself.
What Happens Next
For years, the trail for Pat Guild has been cold. Despite the lack of new information, his daughter’s ongoing search and the commitment of Detective Filter remain crucial. As a man who made a life in Nashville’s streets, lived through hardship, and dreamed of something greater, Pat’s story is one that touches many. His disappearance remains unsolved, but his daughter’s quest for answers continues to fuel hope that one day, the truth will emerge.
If you have any information about the disappearance of Patrick Allen Guild, please contact Detective Matthew Filter at the Davidson County Police Department at 615-862-8600.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
