Celebrating the life of
Charles E. "Buddy" Butler, Jr.
November 06, 1924 - December 29, 2012
Charles E. "Buddy" Butler, Jr.
Charles E. "Buddy" Butler, Jr., 88, died Saturday, December 29, 2012 at his residence with his family by his side. Buddy was a native Savannahian who grew up in the "Old Fort". He was born November 6, 1924 to the late Charles E. Butler, Sr. and Ethel Morrissey Butler.
He graduated from Marist School for Boys in Savannah where he was a member of the last graduating class. He also graduated from Benedictine Military School, Class of 1945, and Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, Class of 1949.
Buddy served his country in World War II as a flight engineer with the U. S. Army Air Corps 8th Air Force, 2nd Air Division, 392 Bomb Group stationed in Wendling, England.
He was a devout parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and served as a lector for many years.
He was the Vice-President of Savannah Iron and Fence Corporation until his retirement in 1983. During his tenure at Savannah Iron, he designed the original Leaderboards for the Masters Golf Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club.
Buddy was a member of many civic groups including the Chatham Artillery, the Hibernian Society and the Sinn Fein Society where he served as President and one of the original 33 founding members. He was also an avid golfer winning several city tournaments.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine Kitty Pinckney Butler; daughter, Dorothy Pinckney Butler; granddaughter, Meredith Knox Thompson; and sister, Jane Butler Abernathy.
He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Mary Ann Haslam Butler, their ten children and spouses, Catherine Butler Gregory Keith, Nelson Haslam, Jr., Helen Butler Dickinson Richard, Mary Ann Haslam Goodgame James, Maureen Butler Thompson Christopher, Charles E. Butler, III Janet, Carmel Haslam Kelly, Christopher O'Keefe Butler Anne, Megan Haslam Hayes Stephen, and Andrea Haslam Harris Charles.
He is also survived by two brothers, Thomas E. Butler and Joseph A. Butler Sharon, seventeen grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 1, 2013 with a Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
Burial will be in Bonaventure Cemetery, Greenwich section.
Active Pallbearers will be his grandsons, William Kirk Gregory, James Robert Goodgame, IV, Christopher Duncan Thompson, Jr., Ryan Butler Gregory, Francis Aloysius Kelly, IV, and Charles Pinckney Butler.
Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Hibernian Society, the Sinn Fein Society and the Chatham Artillery.
Remembrances may be made to Spring Hill College, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Benedictine Military School or St. Vincent's Academy.
Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
Dear Butler Family, I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Butler's Passing. I remember him fondly when I was a child & attended Blessed Sacrament School & church. We were neighbors on 44th Street, & I remember that my parents, Dr. & Mrs. Robert Howard, now deceased thought very highly of him & his wife. My sincere condolences from the Howard family, most now live in Austin, Texas, & John in Atlanta, GA. May duBignon Howard formerly from 622 East 44th Street, Savannah.
- May duBignon Howard, Austin, TX
Mary Ann and Butler/Haslam family Deepest sympathy on the loss of Buddy. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Carolyn Emerick
- Carolyn Emerick, Savannah, GA
Dear Mimi and all of the members of the Butler/Haslam Family, We are so sorry to hear of Buddy's passing. He was an amazing man and will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Much Love, The Safrits
- Heather Safrit, Savannah, GA
We were so sorry to hear of Buddy's passing. The Florida celebrations will not be the same. He always added so much to our memories and he will be missed. To all the family, you are in our prayers and thoughts. Mimi, you lost a dear friend and husband.
- Lindy and Stephanie Infante, Saint Augustine, FL
Dear Aunt Mimi and Cousins, Cassidy and I send much love and many prayers your way. We are glad we were able to visit with Uncle Bud last spring and will miss him very much. My fondest memories are from your visit to Montana and the white water rafting trip-Uncle Bud in his 70's. What a sportsman he was. Many lovely memories live on. Love, Cecilia and Cassidy
- Cecilia Lenahan, Helena, MT
Mary Anne and Carmel and family, I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Butler. He was a great man and we always enjoyed seeing him at church. He lived out the christian life and is with his Lord and saviour. God Bless, Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Macdonald
- Mary Christy Macdonald, Savannah, GA
Dear Chris and all of the Butler and Haslam Families, I have many fond memories of your Father and your family...especially in the early years when we played together almost every day. I remember that your home was a happy place even when your mother was very ill. I am so sorry to hear of is passing.
- Page Middleton Olson, Dunwoody, GA
I was sorry to see that Buddy had passed away. What a great guy. He will be missed.
- Bob White, Jr., Greensboro, GA
Dear Maryanne,so sorry to hear of Buddy's passing. Our Prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. May our merciful and loving God comfort you at this difficult time and always.
- Stephen and Barbara Hayes, Lawrenceville, GA
Dear Mary Ann and Family, We were very sorry to hear about the passing of 'Buddy'.He was a super guy,caring,happy and fun to be around at all times.You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Dear Chris, Anne and family, We are sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. With love, The Rodriguez Family
- Bryan and Jody Rodriguez, Tampa, FL
Dear Mary Ann and family - I was truly blessed less than 2 weeks ago to meet you and 'Buddy'. Even though I only spent 4 hours with Buddy I will remember him as an awesome individual who deeply cared about his family and 'especially you'. He and I shared memories of his tour of duty in the Air Corps and my father's in the Air Force during WWII. Because of him I understood more of WWII and how it impacted thousands of families. He and I enjoyed sharing our stories of football - both NFL and College. I will always remember my 'special time' with both of you and thankful that our lives crossed paths. My prayers are with your entire family. Cathy Laube Volunteer - Hospice Savannah
- cathy, savannah, GA
Meeting Buddy, Mimi and family almost 12 years ago at Helen's and Dick's wedding was special. He was a dear man, friendly and warm and so easy to talk with. My deep sympathy to all of you now. Love, Kathleen O'Brien Dickinson
- Kathy Dickinson, Los Angeles, CA
Dear Butler and Haslam Family: I was greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Butler. He was a good man - one of the best - and I always enjoyed visiting with him. He will surely be missed by many. I will keep you in my prayers. Bernard
- Bernard Doyle, Savannah, GA
Dear MIMI and FAMILY, We were saddened and sorry to hear of Mr. Butler's passing. Character, Integrity, Morals, Values, Principles, Trustworthy, Honest, Spiritual, a true Friend...All great words that sum up the Man, BUDDY BUTLER. We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers and may GOD continue to bless and watch over you during this difficult time. The Lutz family
- Richard and Ann Lutz, Savannah, GA
The thoughts and prayers of the Sheehans go out to your family. Mr. Butller was always kind and caring. He helped raise a bunch of us. God Bless You, Kevin
- Kevin Sheehan, Savannah, GA
To Maureen and her siblings are sent prayers for the time of grief after your Father's passing. May you all feel his Spirit within and know that he lives on through you. God Bless. Joy
- Joy Daniels Schwartz, Savannah, GA
Uncle Buddy was everything a person could want in an uncle. He added so much to my life. He will be fondly remembered forever. Sincerest condolences to Cathy, Helen, Maureen, Charlie and Chris and the rest of the Butler family. Mike Darr Family
- Mike Darr, Medina, OH
Mrs. Butler and all Loved Ones, Betty and I were saddened to hear of Mr. Butler's passing today at Mass. Please know how much we sympathize and it is our hope your faith will sustain you in this difficult time. Billy Wilson
- Billy Wilson, Savannah, GA
To: Mary Ann - My deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God comfort you at this time of profound loss and give you his grace now and in the years to come.
- Nancy M. Manucy, Savannah, GA
Mimi, Helen and Family- Tyler and I send our love, out thoughts and prayers. Bud will remain in our hearts and memories for many years to come. Love, Diane & Tyler McGinnis
- Tyler and Diane McGinnis, Seattle, WA
Mrs. Butler and family: I was so sorry to hear Fr. Adams announce at Mass this evening the passing of Mr. Butler. Please know we are all praying for you. God bless you.
- Nancy Manucy Lawson, Savannah, GA
Dear Butler Family, I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Butler's Passing. I remember him fondly when I was a child & attended Blessed Sacrament School & church. We were neighbors on 44th Street, & I remember that my parents, Dr. & Mrs. Robert Howard, now deceased thought very highly of him & his wife. My sincere condolences from the Howard family, most now live in Austin, Texas, & John in Atlanta, GA. May duBignon Howard formerly from 622 East 44th Street, Savannah.
- May duBignon Howard, Austin, TX
Mary Ann and Butler/Haslam family Deepest sympathy on the loss of Buddy. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Carolyn Emerick
- Carolyn Emerick, Savannah, GA
Dear Mimi and all of the members of the Butler/Haslam Family, We are so sorry to hear of Buddy's passing. He was an amazing man and will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Much Love, The Safrits
- Heather Safrit, Savannah, GA
We were so sorry to hear of Buddy's passing. The Florida celebrations will not be the same. He always added so much to our memories and he will be missed. To all the family, you are in our prayers and thoughts. Mimi, you lost a dear friend and husband.
- Lindy and Stephanie Infante, Saint Augustine, FL
Dear Aunt Mimi and Cousins, Cassidy and I send much love and many prayers your way. We are glad we were able to visit with Uncle Bud last spring and will miss him very much. My fondest memories are from your visit to Montana and the white water rafting trip-Uncle Bud in his 70's. What a sportsman he was. Many lovely memories live on. Love, Cecilia and Cassidy
- Cecilia Lenahan, Helena, MT
Mary Anne and Carmel and family, I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Butler. He was a great man and we always enjoyed seeing him at church. He lived out the christian life and is with his Lord and saviour. God Bless, Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Macdonald
- Mary Christy Macdonald, Savannah, GA
Dear Chris and all of the Butler and Haslam Families, I have many fond memories of your Father and your family...especially in the early years when we played together almost every day. I remember that your home was a happy place even when your mother was very ill. I am so sorry to hear of is passing.
- Page Middleton Olson, Dunwoody, GA
I was sorry to see that Buddy had passed away. What a great guy. He will be missed.
- Bob White, Jr., Greensboro, GA
Dear Maryanne,so sorry to hear of Buddy's passing. Our Prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. May our merciful and loving God comfort you at this difficult time and always.
- Stephen and Barbara Hayes, Lawrenceville, GA
Dear Mary Ann and Family, We were very sorry to hear about the passing of 'Buddy'.He was a super guy,caring,happy and fun to be around at all times.You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Dear Chris, Anne and family, We are sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. With love, The Rodriguez Family
- Bryan and Jody Rodriguez, Tampa, FL
Dear Mary Ann and family - I was truly blessed less than 2 weeks ago to meet you and 'Buddy'. Even though I only spent 4 hours with Buddy I will remember him as an awesome individual who deeply cared about his family and 'especially you'. He and I shared memories of his tour of duty in the Air Corps and my father's in the Air Force during WWII. Because of him I understood more of WWII and how it impacted thousands of families. He and I enjoyed sharing our stories of football - both NFL and College. I will always remember my 'special time' with both of you and thankful that our lives crossed paths. My prayers are with your entire family. Cathy Laube Volunteer - Hospice Savannah
- cathy, savannah, GA
Meeting Buddy, Mimi and family almost 12 years ago at Helen's and Dick's wedding was special. He was a dear man, friendly and warm and so easy to talk with. My deep sympathy to all of you now. Love, Kathleen O'Brien Dickinson
- Kathy Dickinson, Los Angeles, CA
Dear Butler and Haslam Family: I was greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Butler. He was a good man - one of the best - and I always enjoyed visiting with him. He will surely be missed by many. I will keep you in my prayers. Bernard
- Bernard Doyle, Savannah, GA
Dear MIMI and FAMILY, We were saddened and sorry to hear of Mr. Butler's passing. Character, Integrity, Morals, Values, Principles, Trustworthy, Honest, Spiritual, a true Friend...All great words that sum up the Man, BUDDY BUTLER. We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers and may GOD continue to bless and watch over you during this difficult time. The Lutz family
- Richard and Ann Lutz, Savannah, GA
The thoughts and prayers of the Sheehans go out to your family. Mr. Butller was always kind and caring. He helped raise a bunch of us. God Bless You, Kevin
- Kevin Sheehan, Savannah, GA
To Maureen and her siblings are sent prayers for the time of grief after your Father's passing. May you all feel his Spirit within and know that he lives on through you. God Bless. Joy
- Joy Daniels Schwartz, Savannah, GA
Uncle Buddy was everything a person could want in an uncle. He added so much to my life. He will be fondly remembered forever. Sincerest condolences to Cathy, Helen, Maureen, Charlie and Chris and the rest of the Butler family. Mike Darr Family
- Mike Darr, Medina, OH
Mrs. Butler and all Loved Ones, Betty and I were saddened to hear of Mr. Butler's passing today at Mass. Please know how much we sympathize and it is our hope your faith will sustain you in this difficult time. Billy Wilson
- Billy Wilson, Savannah, GA
To: Mary Ann - My deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God comfort you at this time of profound loss and give you his grace now and in the years to come.
- Nancy M. Manucy, Savannah, GA
Mimi, Helen and Family- Tyler and I send our love, out thoughts and prayers. Bud will remain in our hearts and memories for many years to come. Love, Diane & Tyler McGinnis
- Tyler and Diane McGinnis, Seattle, WA
Mrs. Butler and family: I was so sorry to hear Fr. Adams announce at Mass this evening the passing of Mr. Butler. Please know we are all praying for you. God bless you.
- Nancy Manucy Lawson, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
