William David “Dave” Butler, 97, of Huntsville, passed away Thursday. He was born to Reverend and Mrs. (Annie) John Byrd Butler in Faunsdale, AL. He was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Margaret Carpenter Butler, and his eldest Daughter, Janice Butler Hrabe.
Dave “Paw Paw” was a devoted husband, loving father, and doting grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Reese Sanders Butler; daughter Cindy Butler Hodges (Hugh) of Monteagle, TN; and granddaughters, Maggie Kristin Hodges of Chattanooga, TN and Mary Katherine “Katie” Hodges of Fernandina Beach, FL. Dave is also survived and loved by Reese’s children, Kathryn S. Berkstresser (Sid) of Young Harris, GA, Frank Sanders (Cindy) of Town Creek, AL, and Scott Sanders of Huntsville; and Reese’s six granddaughters; one great-granddaughter; and one great-grandson.
As lifelong followers of Christ, Dave and Margaret were faithful members of First United Methodist Church. With Reese, Dave was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church where he served steadfastly as a Deacon and later as an Elder.
Dave served his country for three and a half years in WWII as a US Navy Aviator where he flew F4F Wildcats in the Pacific Theater. Following the war, Dave returned home and graduated from Auburn University School of Pharmacy. As an Auburn Tiger, he practiced retail pharmacy in Huntsville for 35 years, 20 of those spent as the sole proprietor of Butler Pharmacy. Dave was always proud to claim that apart from his time spent in the US Navy, he lived his entire life in the State of Alabama
Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, February 24 at First Presbyterian Church. The funeral service will follow at the church with the Rev. Dr. Tara Bulger officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church or a favorite charity.
