J.C. Butler

J.C. Butler, 72 of Abilene, passed away at his home Friday, August 5th, 2011. A celebration of his life will be held Tuesday August the 9th at 10:00 am in the Piersall Benton Chapel, 733 Butternut St. with a graveside service to follow at 2:00 pm in the Rising Star Cemetery. J.C.'s grandsons will serve as pallbearers. A time of visitation with the family will be held from 6-8 pm Monday evening at the funeral home.

J.C. was born on September 28, 1938 in Cone, TX to Fred and Leona Butler. The family moved to Rising Star in the late 40's where J.C. attended and graduated from Rising Star High School. He was an outstanding high school athlete in basketball and football and acquired many life-long friends through those sports.

He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1958 and was stationed at Matagorda Island where he met and married Shirley Fowler. Life led him to Clovis, NM; Columbus, OH and he and his wife settled in Tioga, WV. They had three sons and one daughter. After his time in the military, J.C. worked for Sherwin Williams Paint, Bekins and United Van Lines for many years before returning to Rising Star where he married his childhood sweetheart Jettie Duggan in 1981. Jettie had three daughters.

In 1984 they moved to Abilene where J.C. worked for Abilene State School, Food Emporium, and Shaw Mail Carrier Contractors. Rheumatoid arthritis forced him to retire at age 50, but he kept busy working for neighbors, helping them out with any need.

Preceding J.C. in death were his father and mother as well as two brothers, James and C.W. He is survived by his wife, Jettie, one sister, Maurene McReynolds and husband Elmer, three sons; Johnny and wife Linda of Sanger, TX, Billy and wife Lacey of St. Mary's, GA, and Harold of Abilene, and one daughter, Dora Phillips and husband Mark of Hillsville, VA. He is also survived by three step daughters; Charlene Bailey and husband Joe of Abilene, Darlene Perrin and husband David of Granbury, and Gari Sue Carroll and husband Brandon of Granbury, ten grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, nine step-grandchildren, six step-great-grandchildren and numerous extended family members, friends and loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory St., 79601. The caring love and dedication these employees gave us during this time was God sent and appreciated more than we can express. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.