Willie J. Butler, Jr.

On Saturday, December 17, 2022 Willie Joseph Butler, Jr., loving husband, father, and deacon transitioned from this life at Waverly Health and Rehabilitation Center to be with his Heavenly Father. Willie was 95 years old.

Willie was born on April 30, 1927 to parents, Willie Joseph Butler, Sr. and Alice Henderson Butler of Surry, VA. Willie was married to Lucy Carolyn Wilson with whom he shared 69 blessed years of marriage and three children. He loved his family, fellowship, and spent many days in service to his community. Willie was a member of Mount Nebo Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, sang with the Male Chorus, Senior Choir, and Golden Voices under Alethea Jones. He was also a regular Sunday school member.

When not at church, Willie farmed where he raised chickens, cows, and hogs. He also grew corn, soybeans, wheat, and peanuts. Never one to be idle, Willie also worked as a security guard at Surry County High School and helped his wife care for children at their family daycare center. Those in the community were impacted by Willie's involvements as a Mason. Always one to help in times of need, Willie would often haul fertilizer for his fellow farmers who did not have the equipment or means to do so for themselves. Willie's patience and dedication to spending time with children extended beyond his work at the family daycare. Hayrides with his sons, daughter, and their cousins was a frequent treat! Willie would load the bed of his truck with hay and drive the family around town and to the beach for a day of fun. Willie had a quiet and sincere demeanor along with a wonderful sense of humor. He loved to smile and laugh with his favorite show being Sanford and Son. When he could no longer participate in traditional farming activities, he found solace mowing his yard on his riding lawnmower.

Willie is survived by his wife, Lucy Carolyn Butler and children Alice Jeanette (Butler) Lomax (Tony, deceased), Willie Joseph Butler, Ill, Samuel Durand Butler (Michelle), and two honorary children Virginia Branch and Ben Branch. He is predeceased by his siblings Corteiz Blizzard, Lucy Hines (Roy), Eva Hammond (Ray), Naomi Butler, andMaurice Butler. Willie has been blessed with seven grandchildren, Alexandra Jasmine Butler Lomax (deceased), Kareen Naji Lomax, Latresha Lane, Samuel Durand Butler,Jr., Shamar D'Andre Butler, Christopher Charles Remy, Sanai Danae Butler, and three honorary grandchildren, Elexus Chamberliss, Travis Chamberliss, and Jenaya Branch Harrison. He has also been blessed with a host of nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 12pm Friday, December 23, 2022 at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, Surry, VA. Viewing will be held on Thursday December 22, 2022 from 4-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Please keep the Butler family in your thoughts and prayers.