Reverend Douglas ‘Doug’ Howard Butler

BUTLER - WINSTON-SALEM The Reverend Douglas ‘Doug' Howard Butler, 72, died Friday, July 22, 2011. Reverend Butler was born August 14, 1938 in Richmond, VA to Samuel E. and Kathleen Beeton Butler. He grew up in Alexandria, VA and in 1957 moved to Salisbury, NC. He met the love of his life at Boyden High School and married Sarah in 1958. He received a B.S. from Pfeiffer College in 1962 and then they relocated to Atlanta, GA. He attended and graduated from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. During this time he served 8 years in the Naval Reserve. In 1965 their daughter Laura Bland was born and in 1970 their son Douglas Thomas ‘Tommy' was born. Rev. Butler has served a number of Methodist Churches: Shiloh in Almon, GA 64-66, Crouse & Pleasant Grove in Lincolnton, High Point 68-70, Brookstown in Pfafftown 70-73, Oak Summit in Winston-Salem 73-77, Stokesburg in Walnut Cove 77-84, Shiloh in Lexington 84-91, Rose Chapel in Statesville 91-94, Glenwood in Greensboro 94-99 before retiring in 1999. Even in retirement he continued to serve several small churches until 2 years ago. Doug ‘Papa', fiercely loved his wife, children and grandchildren. He'd drive the old car, wear the old clothes and walk in holey shoes so that his family could know their needs and wants. He gave freely of his time and other resources, without recognition, for anyone in need. He was a mentor to many and was an excellent advisor. He never met a stranger. He loved, lost and buried many special people over the years and missed them deeply. This selfless compassion and care for others ultimately cost him his health. He was best known for his humor and for never knowing what he'd say next. Rev. Butler was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Mary Gray Southern; and sister-in-law, Glenda Butler. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Sarah Bland Aldredge Butler; daughter, Laura (Kevin) Southern of Lewisville; son, Tommy (Mandy Bowman) Butler of Walnut Cove; brother, Sam Butler of Atlanta, GA; sister, Karen (Ray) Saito of Matthews; grandchildren, Sarah, Anna, Molly Southern and Bella Butler. A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at Kingswood United Methodist Church in Rural Hall at 6 p.m. with the Rev. R. Sidney Lanier, the Rev. Jeffrey Coppley and the Rev. Beverly Coppley officiating. The family will receive friends in the Church Parlor after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kingswood United Methodist Church, 6540 University Parkway, Rural Hall, NC 27045 or Forsyth Humane Society, 61 Miller Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com. (Hayworth-Miller Rural Hall Chapel)

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