Billie (Bill) Gilbert Butler of Ellenton, Florida passed away January 13, 2024 after a short illness. He was preceded in death by his sister, Annalie Maynard; mother, Grace Butler Rabatin and father Robert (Bob) L. Butler, Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Arlene, and two sons: Will Butler (Matt), David Butler (Meghan), and two grandchildren: Henry and Ivy; one step son, Michael Richardson; one sister, Donna Butler Barnhart (David), one brother, Phillip Butler (Becky) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill (or Billy as he was known in elementary and high school) moved with his family when he was 6 years old to the Central community just outside Huntsville, Alabama. There he attended Central Elementary and Junior High School. From there he attended Lee High School in Huntsville and graduated in 1970. He then attended Marion Military Institute in Marion, Alabama before enrolling at Samford University in Birmingham.
Bill worked as an accountant in the Birmingham area for a number of years eventually landing at Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc. (CNHI) where he worked in national advertising. This is where he met his wife Arlene. After living many years in the Birmingham area Bill and Arlene moved back home to the Huntsville area. There he worked as an accountant for his brother-in-law, David Barnhart, and sister, Donna, at Trinity Counseling Center. He worked there until his retirement in 2018. In Huntsville, they attended Life’s Journey Church. A few years later he and Arlene decided to move to Central Florida to be near her family who had relocated there from upstate New York. This was where Bill was living when he was admitted to the hospital for a rare autoimmune disease.
One of Bill’s many godly virtues was kindness. Ephesians 4:32 says: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as Christ has forgiven you.” So many of the nurses that attended to him in the hospital made remarks about Bill’s kindness. It seemed to always be the first thing out of their mouths when they spoke of him. He never complained about the care or the food in the 16 weeks he spent in the various hospitals during his illness. He was always so appreciative about his nursing staff.
A Memorial Service for Bill will be held Saturday, February 3rd at 1:00 at The Well – 2351 Highway 72 East, Huntsville, AL 35811. Reception following service.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Anthony Fowler Foundation, Inc. 8312 Nancy Lane Ellenton, FL 34222.
