John Craig Butler Sr., 95, of Decatur went to his glory Sunday, February 8, 2015.
A son of the Reverend John Bryd and Annie Youree Butler, he was born August 17, 1919, in Bethel Springs, Tenn., and grew up in New Hope.
The eldest of four boys and an older sister, John served with the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Europe during World War II, completing 30 combat missions as navigator of a B-24 bomber.
In 1944, he married Allie Elizabeth Christian of Hueytown. After the war, he completed pharmacy school at Howard College (now Samford University) and worked for pharmacies in Huntsville, Cullman and Decatur before becoming proprietor of Professional Pharmacy on Somerville Road in Decatur.
John was the proud father of three children, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, with three more “on the way.” He was a passionate gardener, fisherman and bird hunter with some of the best bird dogs in the region. He also was a talented woodworker and delighted in making furniture for his family. His pet peeve was the backyard squirrels that took his beloved pecans.
John was a Boy Scout leader, Kiwanian, Gideon and member of First Baptist Church in Decatur. For many years he taught Sunday school at the Morgan County Jail.
Mr. Butler leaves his wife of 70 years, Allie; one son, John Craig Butler Jr. (Elaine) of Sugar Land, Texas, and one daughter, Elizabeth Robinson (Bill) of Richmond, Ky. He also is survived by one brother, David Butler (Reese) of Huntsville.
Also surviving are grandsons John Craig Butler III (Tasha) of Austin, Texas, and children, Jordan and Jillian, and Kevin Butler (Erica) and daughter, Mason of Austin, Texas; granddaughters, Emily Sambrook (Everett) of Frankfort, Ky., and Paige Robinson of Indianapolis, Ind. Other close relatives include Jessie Word of Pelham, Catherine Word, David and Jim Christian of Birmingham; Robert Dalton Christian (Ann) of Gallatin, Tenn, formerly of Decatur; and Allen and Debbie Butler, New Hope. A host of nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Hamby; brothers, Byrd and Charles Butler; and a son, Robert James Butler.
Contributions are suggested to the Robert James Butler Memorial Scholarship Fund at Auburn University or the Decatur First Baptist Church Building Fund;
The family would like to acknowledge the loving care given to Mr. Butler by the staff of Decatur Home Care and Riverside Senior Living since his move there in 2012.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, February 11, 2015, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Decatur with Reverend Roger Jenkins officiating and Roselawn Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery of Decatur.
Pallbearers will be family members.
