Herbert Harrison Butler, Sr, 86, of Douglasville, Georgia, passed away at home May 25, 2020 following a battle with cancer. Herbert was born in Atlanta on April 17, 1934, the tenth of eleven children of W.B and Lottie May Butler. He attended Hapeville High School before going on to work at Donehoo Funeral Home and other occupations. In 1954, he began his employment at the Hapeville Fire Department; a career and calling that defined the rest of his life. He rose to the rank of Chief and served as President of the Metro Atlanta Fire Chiefs Association before retiring in 1989 with 35 years of brave and dedicated service. After retirement, he began a second career as a school bus driver for Carroll County School System, specifically Whitesburg Elementary School. He retired after 10 years of service.
Following his second retirement, he spent many wonderful years with his wife, Jane, traveling in their motor home across the 49 continental states of the United States and Canada. They were members of the Happy Hearts chapter of the Good Sam Camping Club. He was a member of Central Baptist Church in Douglasville. Herbert enjoyed singing and sang bass in the southern gospel group Genesis Quartet and in the Central Baptist Church choir. His legacy is that of a brave public servant, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, six sisters, two sons-in-law, and a granddaughter.
Herbert is survived by his wife, Jane Butler; his daughters, Cindy Williams of Carrollton, Terri and Ted Herrin of Carrollton, and Harriett and Greg Walker of Goose Creek, SC; his sons Rev. Herb and April Butler of Bowdon and Rev. John and Valerie Butler of Buchannan; his stepdaughters, Laura Searcy of Villa Rica, Lisa and Doug Lindly of Powder Springs, Linda Kellogg of Buford, and Leigh and Darin Sims of Douglasville; a sister, Frances Arwood of Marietta; twenty one grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home in Douglasville, Georgia. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 28, 2020 at 2:00 pm in the Rosehaven chapel with Reverend Chris Connell officiating. A eulogy will be delivered by Rev. Herb Butler. Music will be provided by The Connells and the pallbearers will be members of the Hapeville Fire Department. Interment will follow at Carroll Memory Gardens in Carrollton, Georgia. Seating for Mr. Butler's service will be limited - friends are encouraged to visit with the family and pay their respects during the visitation.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or Gary Sinise Foundation for first responders.
Please take time to leave condolences with the family or share memories of Herbert by visiting www.WhitleyGarner.com
Services have been entrusted to the care of Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home, 8640 Rose Avenue, Douglasville, Georgia 30134
