William “Bill” Gene Butler, 90

William “Bill” Gene Butler of Blacksburg, South Carolina went to be with the Lord on Friday, July 23, 2021. Born on June 22, 1931, Bill was the oldest son of the late Phillip Ray and Leona Moss Butler.
Bill’s life revolved around his family, his farm, and his love of God. Bill was a veteran of the Korean War and loved his country. His service in the military is what led him to his wife. After only knowing each other for four weeks and three days, a farm boy from South Carolina and a New York City girl were married and built a beautiful life together. Bill never let only having a sixth grade education stand in his way of providing for his family and helping others. He spent many years providing ministry to the Cherokee County Jail and was a leader in the Christ the King Church in Shelby, North Carolina. Although extremely hard working, he was also known as a practical joker and enjoyed pranking his children and grandchildren. Bill and his wife were inseparable and loved being around their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren more than anything. His legacy will be one of loving family, devotion to the Lord, respecting the land, and service to his country.
Bill was preceded in death by a daughter, Denise Ann Butler; a brother, Kenneth Butler; and a sister, Louise Sparks.
He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 67 years, Louise Butler (Merz); three children whom he was beyond proud of, Raymond Butler (Denise) of Fleming Island, FL, Donna Butler of Blacksburg, SC, and Richard Butler (Lisa) of Blacksburg, SC; five grandchildren, Andrea Arterbury of Raleigh, NC, Ricky Butler (Courtney) of Columbus, OH, Michael Butler of Cowpens, SC, Jennifer Cobb (Adam) of Elizabethtown, KY, and Brittany Martin (Chase) of Blacksburg, SC; two great-grandchildren, Owen and Emma Cobb of Elizabethtown, KY; a sister, JoAnne Butler of Gaffney, SC; and a host of nieces and nephews.
If you would have ever asked Billy how he was doing, he would say, “You see, I’m blessed and living on borrowed time.” We will always remember his strong but loving hands and how every morning you could find him up with the sun baking fresh biscuits and reading his Bible at the kitchen table. Although he is at peace, we wish we could borrow just a little more time to spend with him.
Services will be conducted at Christ the King Church in Shelby, NC. No date has been set.

Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center. 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043, 904-284-7720