John Marion Butler Jr., 88 of Huntsville, AL passed away Tuesday, November 19, 2024. Mr. Butler was born in Laurel, MS on March 23, 1936, to John Marion Butler Sr. and Christa Cowart Butler. He graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in electrical engineering. After graduation he joined the U.S. Army with a ROTC commission, serving as a Reserve Commissioned Officer. Mr. Butler’s Army service led him to Huntsville, AL, where he met and married Grace Ann Branum, his wife of 64 years. He retired from NASA in 1997 after 35 years of service.
He loved the Lord wholeheartedly and knew Him as his Savior and Lord. John was a member of Southside Baptist Church where he served for almost 60 years. He was a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and served in many other leadership roles.
Mr. Butler was preceded in death by his parents, John Marion Butler Sr. and Christa Cowart Butler, and his sister, Virginia (Jennie) Louise Butler Boggan. He is survived by his wife, Grace Ann Branum Butler; son, John Mark Butler (Holly); daughter, Christa Butler McNabb (James); 8 grandchildren, Brandon Butler (Melissa), Mallory Butler Moore (Luke), Kevin Butler (Lauren), Griffin Butler (Neeley), Erin McNabb Moseley (Jake), Reid McNabb (Jamie), Megan McNabb (fiancée Slade Hicks), and Seth McNabb; 4 great-grandchildren, Ruthie Moore, Tate Butler, Wesley Butler, and Ellis Moore; sister, Ann Butler Lott (Charles); brother-in-law, Charlie Boggan; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Friday, November 22 from 12:00 until 1:00 pm in the chapel on the south campus of Whitesburg Baptist Church. The service will follow immediately at 1:00 pm with Dr Murray Wilton officiating. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse.
