Pallie Jim Smith Butler, aged 88, a most kind, sensitive, and caring lady passed away peacefully in her home on October 13, with her loving and devoted husband of 65 years at her side. She was born July 20, 1936 in the Community Hospital at East Tallassee, AL to Jewel Webster Smith and James Malcolm “Mac” Smith. She was named for her paternal grandparents, Jim and Pallie Harrington Smith. Her maternal grandparents were Andrew and Kate Golden Webster.
Pallie attended Reeltown public school in Tallapoosa County and Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now Auburn University where she earned a Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education degree in March 1959. Shortly thereafter she began teaching at Tallassee Elementary School, and in June 1959 married Kyle, a graduating API senior and her best friend and steady since 1956.
After marriage, the new couple continued to live in Tallassee, and Pallie continued teaching while Kyle awaited his scheduled entry into U. S. Naval service. In 1960 he was commissioned Ensign, USN and the couple began the nomadic lifestyle typical for a U.S. Navy family at that time characterized by frequent moves, meeting new military and civilian friends, experiencing diverse cultures, interesting sights, enjoying new and greater work experiences, and leaving behind cherished memories. Their 26-year Navy life took them to Athens GA, New Orleans, Key West, back to New Orleans, Milton FL, The Azores, Norfolk, back to Athens GA, Monterrey CA, Jacksonville, Sicily, Columbus OH, and finally Cherry Point NC. In 1986, after 26 years of service Kyle and Pallie retired from the Navy and moved to the house they had purchased a few years earlier when they expected Auburn to be their first choice for after-Navy living.
Upon return to Alabama the couple enjoyed making up for lost time with their parents, renewing friendships in Auburn, and attending the family gatherings they had missed over the years. They were soon involved in many social, educational, and civic groups including Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, AU Alumni Association (life members since 1974), University Club, Auburn Women’s Club, Ochsner Lifelong Learners (OLLIE), and the Jules Collins Smith Museum (founding members). Through donations and annual purchase of season tickets, Pallie and Kyle loyally supported the Gouge Performing Arts Center, Telfair B. Peet Student Theatre, and AU athletics programs including Softball, Baseball, Football, and Basketball (scholarship). Among
Pallie’s notable experiences in Auburn involved her very special chocolate Labrador retriever, “Max” who came along at a time when the town was awash with dogs, short on fenced yards, and lax in dog leash rules enforcement. A great time to be a dog in a college town, especially it if belonged to Pallie, Max’s wanderings and the extended network of friends that was created as a result were locally famous. She loved children and animals beyond comparison. Even though Pallie had no “children”, she took great delight in the exceptionally close and loving relationships she had with the children of her and Kyle’s sisters. Since this extended family have been long-time Auburn lovers, there was seldom a time when one or more of them were not enrolled or visiting.
Pallie was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Bonnie Smith Ennis and Julia Smith Harkins. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband Paul Kyle Butler of Auburn, nephews Lee (Mary) Harkins of Auburn, Jason (Nikki) Harkins of Birmingham, John Bowlin (Tammy) of Ashville, Mark (Ann) Kirby of Gulf Breeze FL, Timothy Holland of Bohol, Philippines, Benford Holland of Montgomery, Brian Bell of Ballplay AL, and nieces Phyllis (Johnny) Mitchell, Cindy (Doug) Sams, Ellen Bowlin Brown of Attalla, Paula (Marshall) Norrell of Opelika, plus many loving grandnephews, grandnieces, and a great-grandnephew.
In keeping with Episcopal tradition, flowers are not emphasized, so in lieu contributions may be made to Project Clothe a Child https://www.projectclotheachild.org/donate.html. The family will receive friends and relatives on Thursday, October 17 at 1:00pm at the Parish Commons of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 100 Church Dr, Auburn. The funeral will follow at 2:00pm in the church, with the Reverend Pete Burgess presiding, immediately followed by a brief Committal Service graveside at Town Creek Cemetery, 1150 S. Gay St, Auburn. Pallbearers will be Rodney Rushing, Doug Sams, Kyle Kirby, Drew Kirby, Smith Harkins, and Larson Harkins.
