Richard Alan Butler

Richard Alan Butler, 86, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025, in Clemmons, North Carolina. Born on August 31, 1938, in Brockton, Massachusetts. Richard lived a life marked by service, devotion, and quiet strength.

After graduating from Brockton High School in 1956, Richard enlisted in the United States Navy. He served honorably as a Plane Captain aboard the aircraft carriers USS Intrepid, USS Forrestal, and USS Saratoga. His time in the Navy instilled in him a deep sense of duty and discipline that would guide him throughout his life.

Upon completing his military service, Richard returned to his hometown and began a long and dedicated career with Brockton Public Markets (BPM), which later became Shaws Supermarket. Rising through the ranks to become Store Manager, he worked for the company for 38 years before retiring in 1997. During his tenure, Richard’s store was selected to pilot grocery barcoding technology; an innovation that revolutionized the retail industry and is now standard worldwide.

While working at BPM, Richard met the love of his life, Doris Mae Rose. The two married in 1965 and built a life rooted in love, faith, and mutual respect. Together they raised two daughters: Cherie Mae Butler Holmes Bailey and Terri Louise Butler Vidito. Richard’s devotion to his family was unwavering; he was a constant source of strength, warmth, and compassion. Our father was selfless, he consistently put everyone else’s needs and desires above his own. One fond memory out of thousands was his dedication to always ensuring the wood-burning stoves were well-stocked during those cold New England winters.

Richard was a man of many talents and passions. He enjoyed carpentry, gardening, fishing, golfing, and always had a jigsaw puzzle in progress. His hands were rarely idle; he found joy in building picnic tables for both family and local organizations like the YMCA. As a young man growing up in the city, he always preferred spending time at the YMCA over street corners; there he served as a lifeguard, was a swimming instructor and Summer Camp Counselor. In high school, he was active on the Tumbling Team and worked as a pinsetter at a local bowling alley.

His generosity and compassion extended far beyond his immediate family. Richard gave freely of his time and resources to friends, neighbors, and community members alike. He believed deeply that “serving others will always be your greatest accomplishment in life,” a lesson he not only taught but lived every day. A compassionate listener who often said that “silence often says more than words,” Richard had an innate ability to make others feel heard and valued.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Doris Mae Rose Butler of Clemmons, NC; daughters Cherie Mae Butler Holmes Bailey of Clemmons, NC; Terri Louise Butler Vidito and her husband Brian Vidito of Clemmons, NC; granddaughter Kiley Mae Lloyd-Perks and her husband Sam Lloyd-Perks of Kansas City , Missouri; grandson Chadwick Butler Holmes of Clemmons, NC; close extended friends and family members: Forrest Cox of Clemmons, NC; Jess Scott Holmes and Shelli Nash-Wurth of Pfafftown, NC; Kris Holmes of Pfafftown, NC; as well as many loving nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his parents Richard Patrick Butler and Elizabeth Griffin Butler of Brockton, Massachusetts; sister Carol Butler D’Alessio and her husband Louie of Taunton, Massachusetts; and sister Ellen Butler Leone and her husband Sam of Leominster, Massachusetts.

A celebration of Richard’s life, led by Deacon John of Holy Family Catholic Church, was held in Clemmons NC. It was a beautiful and humble ceremony that honored our father’s legacy as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, veteran, friend, and above all, a servant-hearted man who lived by faith.

To commemorate Richard’s life is to remember the virtues he held most dear: Jesus’s Two Greatest Commandments, love God with all your heart, soul, and mind; and without fail, always Love your Neighbor as yourself. These guiding principles shaped every interaction he had and left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Thank you, Daddy (aka Papa), for your endless love and wisdom. We miss you here on Earth more than words can express but find comfort knowing you are now our Guardian Angel watching over us from Heaven.

You are now and will always be Eternally Remembered

In lieu of flowers, a donation would be welcomed to the following:

The Alzheimer’s Association

St. Jude’s Hospital

Trellis Supportive Hospice Care