Johnnie Ray Butler Sr., died peacefully at his home Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2007 after fighting a long battle with cancer.
He was born April 17, 1937 in Sullivan County, Ind., and retired to Fairhope. He served on active duty with the U.S. Army for 20 years and then went on to work for the Army as a civilian for another 14 years.
He was a Vietnam veteran and served in Austria, Korea, Germany, Alaska and many tours within the continental United States. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved the mountains of Colorado.
He was a member of Marlow United Methodist Church where he was baptized and was proud of his service to his church. He loved God, his country and his family.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Butler, his mother, Opal McDade; five sisters, Naomi Dorman, Hazel Wright, infant Juanita Butler, Betty Wright, Rose Whitlock and Donna Kay Butler; brother, Charles “Chuck” Butler; and one granddaughter, Kayla Butler.
Survivors include his loving wife, Cecilia Butler of Fairhope; three sons, Johnnie Ray Butler Jr. and Terry Butler, both of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Eddie Butler of Decatur, Ill.; one granddaughter, Mikki Butler of Colorado Springs; three sisters, Becky Stapleton of Ft. Wayne, Ind., Mary Frederick of Bradenton, Fla., and Melba Ring of Sullivan, Ind.; brother, Jim Butler of Sullivan, Ind.; numerous nephews and nieces.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15 at Marlow United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16 at the church with the Rev. J.W. Brady officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Marlow Cemetery.
The family requests memorial donations be made to the Marlow United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 430, Summerdale, AL 36580.
Arrangements are by Cason Funeral Service, Foley.
