William "Bill" F. Butler
January 24, 1927 ~ January 7, 2015
Resided in:
Skyland, NC
William Franklin "Bill" Butler, 87, went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, January 7, 2015.
A lifelong resident of Asheville, Bill was the son of the late Lon and Minnie Anderson Butler and husband of his late loving wife Ella Mae Ball Butler, who passed away in 2007. Bill was also preceded in death by his son, Randy F. Butler; sisters, Helen Wood, Edith Dockens and Wilma Whitaker and brothers, Arthur (Bud), John, Paul, Rex and Calvin Butler.
Bill was a member of Skyland Baptist Church and was a U.S. Army veteran for nine years, serving during the Korean conflict. Bill was a treasured fireman with the Skyland Fire Department and retired there as Chaplain. Bill will be missed by all his friends and family. He was always there for anyone in need and gave assistance anyway he could.
Bill is survived by two sisters, Betty Sales of Asheville and EllaJay Maynor of Arden and a number of nieces and nephews. Bill was also preceded in death by his dearest friend, Christine, "Cricket" McDonald Plemmons, who passed away the day before Bill, on Tuesday.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian conducted by Rev. Keith Dockens and Pastor David Honeycutt. Interment will follow in New Salem Cemetery. The Buncombe County Fire Fighters Honor Guard will present graveside rites. Bill's family will receive friends from 1 until 2 pm prior to the service.
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We loved Uncle Bill dearly and will miss him deeply but our loss on earth is heavens gain.Love to all the remaining family with deepest sympathy. Jim and Pat Ingle
What an awesome and great man! A faithful servant to others. I only wish I could have spent more time around him. Always a great smile on his face.
I hope you are dancing around in heaven in your ‘ New ‘ shoes!
Our community has lost a great and wonderful person. Bill lead the way for us here at Skyland Fire Department and for that he will never be forgotten. Bill was a mentor for me and I always looked up to him and in a lot of ways. He taught me to become a person by his giving and caring ways. There is no doubt where Bill Butler is today and we know that we will see him again. William Franklin Butler we love you.
One of the sweetest people I ever met. A smile that made the gray days sunny. I am thankful I had the chance to call this man my friend. I will truly miss those hugs and kisses my friend!! I will see you again one day!! Glad you are back with your Ella Mae. <3
The good lord just got another precious angel.
Bill was a great mentor and a good friend to me while I was at Skyland Fire-Rescue. Bill will missed.
Uncle Bill , It was an honor to have known you. May you now enjoy Eternal Peace and Tranquility with all your loved ones that have passed before you. You are Loved and missed by all that knew you. Good man Bill Butler.
This gentleman was a second cousin to me and I remember how he was always a guest at the funeral home when any of his first cousins (my aunts and uncles) passed. Had such a sparkle in his eye and his Christian witness was so noticeable. He reminded me so much of my grandmother, Luna Elzabeth Butler Quinn – they had the same sweet smile, similar voices. What a reunion is going on in heaven! Just recently, we met Jerry Whitaker and during our conversation he mentioned his Uncle Lon. As it turns out, Jerry is related to me and also to my husband – such a small world.
Susan Capps Duckett
Uncle Bill I spent every summer with you and Lisa and Ela Mae I love you. You and Paul are two of the greatest men I will ever know…I love you!
To one of the greatest me. And my uncle We will all greatly Love and miss you. But we know you are in a better place with Ella Mae Paul Granny etc… You did anything for everyone without question and had a heart full of love I have always looked to you Paul and my Dad for the greatest of make influences in my life I grew up playing in your yard and loved you and Ella Mae so much you will be dearly missed but Never Forgotten as we lay your body to rest today I hope you are peacefully resting in Heaven !
Love You Always Uncle Bill !
Bill was a great man always there for you and will be missed by all that knew him. As we will miss him so, heaven has called a great servant to come home.
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Butler’s passing. He was always good to me as a teenager and teased me, which I loved. I am sorry to say that I didn’t know Randy had passed, we went to church and high school together at Roberson and even dated some. I lost touch with Randy and Mr. Butler, but always had fond memories of them both. My prayers are with the family.
Sharlene Rice Franklin