Joseph R. Butler

Joseph R. Butler formerly of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, passed away November 11, 2015, at the age of 93. Mr. Butler was a proud veteran, of the United States Army, having served during World War II. He worked for International Paper, for 42 years, before retiring in 1987. He was a longtime member of Wesley United Methodist Church, in Pine Bluff. "Joe", as he was known to many, was a resident of Merryvale Assisted Living, in Oxford, for nearly eight years. While there, his circle of friends grew immensely, and he especially enjoyed spending time playing bingo, dominos and was the champion of Wii bowling! Additionally, he looked forward to attending the weekly church service and singing hymns. His passions in life included listening to classical music, traveling to the mountains to view the fall foliage, moon pies and strawberry ice cream. "Grandpa", as he was affectionately known to those closest to him, loved spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and always had "jobs" to assign and candy to share. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Butler; sister, Opal Langley; and his brothers, Rev. George Butler and Newton Butler.

 

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Beverly and LeRoy Childs; son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Ann Butler; grandchildren and their spouses, Camille Nugent, Brittany Butler, Dee Drozd, Chelsey Drozd, Hannah Drozd, Margrette and Adam Bailey, Sarah Wilkinson, Tori and Nick Duncan, Toni and Mark Burns, Bambi Childs, Kari Childs; great-grandchildren, Corbin, Tristan, Eli, Brody, Justin, Meredith, Lily, Kade, Anslee, Cooper, Faith, Bailey, Eli, Kyle; great-great-grandson, Gauge; sisters, Dr. Katie Best Butler, Juanita Benson; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services for Mr. Butler will be held Friday, November 13, 2015, 4:00 PM, at the Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, 1215 Access Road, in Covington, with Pastor Mike Wadley officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home, one hour prior to the service, from 3:00 – 4:00 PM. Additional funeral services will be held Monday, November 16, 2015, 2:00 PM, at Robinson & Son Funeral Home, in Pine Bluff, AR, with interment following in Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1684 Barnett Shoals Road, Athens, GA 30605.