King Solomon Butler Jr., was born in St. Petersburg, Florida. At an early age, the Butler family moved to Rochester, New York, where King’s recollections of those times, became a part of his most cherished childhood memories.
Upon his family’s relocation back to St. Petersburgh, Florida King began to hone his gift as a guitarist. King partnered with Brother Ray – and numerous family and friends from the area – to form the Washington Jam Band. Viewed as one of his many musical milestones – the Washington Jamb Band’s Bicentennial Muscle reached No. 1 in 1975.
Often humbly compared to Blues Greats such as BB King, King Solomon Jr. had a style all his own; which was self-taught. His ear for music, he would say, “allowed him to span multiple musical genres”. From Smooth Jazz; hard and soft rock to Blues and Gospel, King was able to “speak” to the multitudes through the chords on his guitars.
Yet with all his musical accolades, King’s relationship with Christ was his most coveted. In 1992, when King solidified his walk with our Father, he also pledged not to play another note unless it was to Glorify our God. For eight (8) years he honored that promise by playing for and on multiple Praise/Worship Teams. In 2000, God spoke, and he began to slowly reincorporate Smooth Jazz and Blues. He understood his total gifts were to be used to introduce to some, and reinforce in others, what he believed - Jesus is the Truth, the Way, and the Light.
In 1989, King became a resident of Seattle, WA along with his family.
In 2005, King partnered with his wife, Mary to accept the leadership role in the US Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program of Snohomish County, WA. From 1992 to the present King performed his duties as Operations Manager with the same zeal he approached his music. Late nights and early mornings did not deter him from serving thousands. He always had a smile, kind word, or helping hand when dealing with diverse communities, and under extreme challenges.
King was preceded in death by his mother, Leola Edmondson Butler; his father, King Solomon Butler, Sr.; his oldest sister, Feneda Joann Butler and his youngest brother, Carlos Valdez Butler.
King is survived by wife, Mary – his “Queen” of thirty-five (35) years; three (3) sons: Lamar (Stephanie); Ki’eve - KJ (Meagen); Aaron-Mykel/Tommy and God-Daughters, Amanda (Martin), Destiny, Kyria (Ali) and God-Son Kadence; Nine (9) grandchildren: Marquell; Sophia, Israel, Gabrielle, Jaeci’ona, Arae’ya, Oaklee, Zaiden, and Malachi; Three (3) brothers, Ray Anthony (Tammi); Victor Rene; Namon Leon and his sister, Myra Felicia; along with a host of nieces, nephews, families and friends whose lives will forever be a testament to his Legacy.
King’s cremation is under the care of Evergreen Funeral Home in Everett, WA on Broadway.
A “Celebration of His Life” will be held on at 1:00 p.m, Saturday, March 20, 2021: Jubilee Church of God in Christ, 2532 Virginia Avenue, Everett, WA 98201, Superintendent Alvin C. Moore, Officiant. Queen Mary and the Family extend their sincere appreciation for the outpouring of love and prayers at this most difficult time. Due to COVID the repast is by invitation only.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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