Robert Charles Butler

Robert Charles Butler of Landrum, South Carolina, entered the world on February 4, 1961, in Boulder, Colorado as the fourth son to Clint and Catherine Butler. His father’s career as a pilot in the United States Air Force took Bob and the family to Dayton, Ohio; Rome New York; Kansas City, Missouri; Wiesbaden Germany and Camp Springs, Maryland.

 After high school graduation in Maryland, Bob trained as an electrical technician, then took a job with Washington, DC’s first television cable company, Metro Vision.  He had a variety of positions from laying cable to setting up film sights overseas to broadcast hockey games.  This travel took him to Czechoslovakia, Russia, Prague and other third world countries.

 When Suitland High School in Maryland became the County School for the Performing Arts, his former TV/Radio teacher at his alma mater called on Bob to build the TV Radio Studio as one of the arts offered within the new program.  He worked several years in this area until he was asked to be the Performing Arts Manager in the auditorium where he would handle stage set up, lights and sound for each performance, as well as manage auditorium rentals for various shows and a church. He also taught students during their extra period in these proficiencies, for which they earned extra GPA credits.  Bob retired from Suitland High School in 2017 after 30 years of service.

 In 2012 Bob met Judy Ann Henderson, his neighbor only five houses away, and she quickly became the love of his life. Their courtship started with a motorcycle ride to Chesapeake Beach, months later led to a surprise engagement at the top of National Harbor Ferris Wheel, and culminated in marriage on October 13, 2014, in Chandler, Arizona, where Bob’s parents resided.  They had many adventures together traveling to many former President’s homes, Hawaii for the 70th anniversary of the end of the Japanese war on the USS Missouri on which Judy’s father had served during World War II, a cruise to the Caribbean, and Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee.  Bob and Judy became South Carolinians in 2017 after purchasing a home in Landrum.

 Bob loved being a South Carolinian. He was an avid beekeeper.  He loved learning about these unique creatures and enjoyed nurturing them and cultivating honey.  He dreamed of owning a multipurpose tractor and this came true in Landrum. He was happiest driving the tractor to get a garden ready, clearing their property, and plowing snow for all his neighbors. 

 Judy and Bob joined the Community Bible Study group in Rutherfordton, North Carolina as soon as they landed in South Carolina.  Their five years of in-depth Bible Study was a most important part of their lives. In September of 2020, Bob and Judy were called to the leadership of Community Bible Study, first as substitute leaders, then as leaders of the virtual couple core group.

 After visiting several churches, they soon felt at home at Community Bible Church of Holly Springs where Bob offered his expertise in media and technology. He enjoyed serving with the other men at the church wherever he was needed.

 Though Bob was the quiet one in the family, he always enjoyed the family gatherings, especially the laughs and memories of the antics of “The Butler boys” growing up as military dependents.   As each brother pursued their own career path, it was always clear in the family that Bob had a talent for any mechanical, electronic or technical challenge or repair and was the one who could fix all things!  He had a most compassionate heart and was always willing to assist another.

 He is survived by his wife, Judy; his brothers Clint and his wife Chesanny, Jay and his wife Patricia, and Neil and his wife Catherine; his niece Katie and husband Rich Kaehler, his nephew Jordan and wife Ashley and grandnephew Owen; as well as Judy’s cousins Mary Ruth and Sandra, her sister Claudia and niece Aimee. His parents Clinton and Catherine Butler preceded him in death.

 Bob’s life will be celebrated on April 30th at 2:00 pm at Community Bible Church of Holly Springs, 2515 Holly Springs Road; Inman, SC.  A reception will follow at the church. 

 His family would appreciate Memorial Donations to Community Bible Study of Rutherfordton, North Carolina, 790 Stout Road; Colorado Springs, CO 80921-3802 with a designation to Rutherford Eve NC (https://www.communitybiblestudy.org) or to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60611 (https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/).

Condolences may be left at www.pettyfuneralhome.com

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