Obituary for Raymond Preston Butler
BUTLER, Raymond Preston, born September 10, 1947, left his earthly home and entered the gates to his eternal home on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at 3:50 a.m. An avid cyclist, Raymond was hit by a car while riding his bicycle home from work on Monday, August 29, 2022. His injuries were more than his athletic body could withstand. He died doing what he loved.
Raymond was the ultimate outdoorsman. He was a triathlete who participated in the Assault of Mount Mitchell triathlon in 1988. He simply excelled in all things sport. He loved cycling, running at all distances (5k, 10k, Half and Full Marathons), swimming, canoeing the Nantahala and Chattooga rivers and snow skiing. He enjoyed all outdoor activities including digging for big rocks then putting these BIG rock puzzles together to make beautiful landscapes around his home and mowing the grass. He was a talented musician (drummer and singer) and artist who enjoyed making Christmas trees, flags, hearts, and many more items out of reclaimed wood.
He was a SSgt in the USAF from 1971-1975. He completed a Bachelor of Science from University of West Florida, a Master of Science in Counseling and Guidance from Troy State University, and Master of Education from Auburn University. He taught school and worked as a counselor prior to joining Russell Athletic in Alexander City. He retired from Russell after 23 years of service. Not being one to retire and just sit, he went to work for Eclectic Do It Center so he could “play” in the hardware store and interact with customers. He was a faithful part-time employee at the Do It Center for 12 years. Raymond also served two terms on the Board of Directors of Louise M. Smith Development Center.
He was a kind man with a big heart and a beautiful voice. He loved his Lord, his family, his Central Baptist Church family and friends. His earthly absence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Ruby Butler.
He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Patsy Legg Butler, son Chris Butler, granddaughter Madison Butler, bonus granddaughter LeAnna Tate, brother Richard Butler (Cheryl), sister Rebecca Gilbert (Nolan), Aunt Mae Smith, Uncle Reginald Butler (Virginia), Nephews Justin Wilson (Kristi), Les Wilson (Brandi), David Butler (Amanda), Niece Robin Jones (Scott). Numerous cousins, church family and friends.
Family visitation will be held Saturday, September 3, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. with a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at Central Baptist Church with Rev. Chris Tidwell officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central Baptist Church, American Cancer Society or Louise M. Smith Development Center in Prattville, Alabama.
Raymond was the ultimate outdoorsman. He was a triathlete who participated in the Assault of Mount Mitchell triathlon in 1988. He simply excelled in all things sport. He loved cycling, running at all distances (5k, 10k, Half and Full Marathons), swimming, canoeing the Nantahala and Chattooga rivers and snow skiing. He enjoyed all outdoor activities including digging for big rocks then putting these BIG rock puzzles together to make beautiful landscapes around his home and mowing the grass. He was a talented musician (drummer and singer) and artist who enjoyed making Christmas trees, flags, hearts, and many more items out of reclaimed wood.
He was a SSgt in the USAF from 1971-1975. He completed a Bachelor of Science from University of West Florida, a Master of Science in Counseling and Guidance from Troy State University, and Master of Education from Auburn University. He taught school and worked as a counselor prior to joining Russell Athletic in Alexander City. He retired from Russell after 23 years of service. Not being one to retire and just sit, he went to work for Eclectic Do It Center so he could “play” in the hardware store and interact with customers. He was a faithful part-time employee at the Do It Center for 12 years. Raymond also served two terms on the Board of Directors of Louise M. Smith Development Center.
He was a kind man with a big heart and a beautiful voice. He loved his Lord, his family, his Central Baptist Church family and friends. His earthly absence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Ruby Butler.
He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Patsy Legg Butler, son Chris Butler, granddaughter Madison Butler, bonus granddaughter LeAnna Tate, brother Richard Butler (Cheryl), sister Rebecca Gilbert (Nolan), Aunt Mae Smith, Uncle Reginald Butler (Virginia), Nephews Justin Wilson (Kristi), Les Wilson (Brandi), David Butler (Amanda), Niece Robin Jones (Scott). Numerous cousins, church family and friends.
Family visitation will be held Saturday, September 3, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. with a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at Central Baptist Church with Rev. Chris Tidwell officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central Baptist Church, American Cancer Society or Louise M. Smith Development Center in Prattville, Alabama.