Larry Howell Butler

Larry Howell Butler, 72, of Lake City, Florida, passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2019 in Gainesville, Florida. The son of the late Howell Judson Butler and Eldie Yawn Butler was born in Quincy, Florida on December 25, 1946. As a child, he lived in Havana, Florida and in Whigham, Georgia and loved to help his father work on the farm. It was on the farm where the developed his love of tractors and the outdoors. At the age of 19, he was drafted in to the Army, where he served in active duty from 1966 – 1968. He went to basic training at Ft. Benning, Georgia before being deployed to Vietnam. While in Vietnam, he earned the rank of Private First Class E3, serving as an Offset Pressman, and learning the printing trade. During his service, Larry earned an Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement While Participating in Aerial Flight in the Republic of Vietnam during the period of November 11, 1966 to April 28, 1967. After returning home, Larry served in the Army reserves from 1968 to 1975. He also spent the next few decades in the printing business in Tallahassee, Florida, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and Atlanta, Georgia. Following his dream and using his woodworking talent, he became a custom home builder, designing and constructing homes of all sizes. It was this passion that carried him into retirement. Larry loved cars, owning many different cars over the years, with Chevrolet’s being his favorite. He loved doing anything outdoors, including riding motor cycles, hunting, and boating. He took pride in working in his yard and building things. Always creative and handy, he made bird houses, chicken coops, and outdoor furniture, to name a few. When not working and creating, he enjoyed watching westerns, traveling, and visiting with family and friends. His hard work and dedication to all he did was only matched by his love for his family, friends, and country. Larry was a proud American that sacrificed much in the service of his country. He always had a smile and always lent a hand to whomever needed him. His humor and quick wit made him a great story teller and eternal jokester (just ask anyone who knew him). Though he saw many parts of the world and accomplished many things, the roots planted as a small town boy never left him. Larry was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother JC Butler, sister Margaret Boring, and nephew John Ludwick. He is survived by his loving wife Beverly of 14 years, his sister LaVerne Kemmer (Kenneth), his daughter Angie Robertson (Phillip), stepson Randy Beavers (Shanna), three grandchildren Mack Boyer, Kennedy Boyer, and Lilly Beavers, three nephews David Kemmer (Deitra), Steve Kemmer (Lisa), and Russ Ludwick (Debbie), and nieces Vicki Muse (Bill), and Elizabeth Birdwell (Paul), and several great nephews and great nieces. Visitation will be from 4 – 6pm on Thursday, October 3, 2019 at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home on Riggins Road in Tallahassee, Florida. Funeral Services will be at 12pm on Friday, October 4, 2019 at the Tallahassee National Cemetery.