Born in Catawba County on June 2, 1939, he was the son of the late Robert Lee and Nellie Butler Cody. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Max Cody.
Butler was a 1957 graduate of Hickory High School. He retired from Vanguard Furniture as maintenance worker in 2002.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years Essie Hefner Cody “Doodle”; his children Stephen Cody and Julie Morrow and her husband Tommy; 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
Memorial service will be held, February 7, 2026 at 12:00 pm at Transformation Church, 306 14th Street SW, Hickory, NC 28602. Reverend Michael Home will officiate. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm prior to the service.
Memorial gifts maty be made to church pantry.
