Percy Lee Butler

Percy Lee Butler, a man of perfect spirit and a heart rooted deeply in love, grace, and service, peacefully passed away on January 9, 2026, in Mobile, Alabama. He was 82 years old and a longtime resident of New Orleans, Louisiana. Percy’s life was a living testament to kindness, dedication, humility, and unwavering devotion to family, community, and faith.

Born on May 24, 1943, in Grace, Mississippi, Percy was the beloved son of the late Robert Butler Jr. and Willie Lee Whitfield Butler. From an early age, he embodied quiet strength, integrity, and a tireless work ethic, qualities that defined him throughout his life.

Percy attended school in Port Gibson, Mississippi, and proudly graduated from Addison High School, Class of 1962. Shortly thereafter, he answered a higher call to service by serving his country as a United States Army veteran during the Vietnam War, a chapter of his life he carried with honor and pride.

On a joyful and defining day, Percy married the love of his life, Gloria Jean Parker, beginning a union that would span 61 beautiful years. Their marriage was rooted in devotion, partnership, faith, and enduring love.

Percy believed in honest work and took pride in every role he held. His professional journey included eight years as a butcher at Piggly Wiggly in Port Gibson, Mississippi; fifteen years as a Meat Market Manager at Winn-Dixie in New Orleans, Louisiana; co-proprietor of Supra Home Health Care in New Orleans, Louisiana; and fifteen years of service with Hilton Chain Hotels in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Mobile, Alabama.

Beyond these roles, Percy found true joy in the earth itself. For over forty years, he was a devoted self-employed gardener, nurturing beauty and life wherever he placed his hands throughout New Orleans, Louisiana, and Mobile, Alabama. Gardening was more than work to Percy. It was his ministry, his peace, and his gift to the world.

A man of service beyond profession, Percy volunteered with Botanical Gardens for eight years and was a proud member of the American Legion Post No. 76 for ten years, continuing his lifelong commitment to community and country.

Percy was preceded in death by his loving parents; his four brothers, Dunnie Ray White, Robert Lee Butler, Edward Butler, and Calvin Butler; and four sisters-in-law, Inez White, Regina Butler, Mary Butler, and Linda Butler.

He leaves behind to cherish his legacy his devoted wife of sixty-one years, Gloria Butler; his beloved daughter, Deidre Butler; and granddaughter, Victoria Blakely; one aunt, Mrs. Eddie Butler of Branson, Mississippi; five brothers, Albert Butler (Malinda) of Port Gibson, Mississippi, Charles Butler, Larry Butler (Patricia) of Jackson, Mississippi, Dale Butler (Danny) of Stone Mountain, Georgia, and James Butler of Atlanta, Georgia; five sisters, Mary Washington (Roy) of New Orleans, Louisiana, Annie Archer (Wilbert), Gale Butler of Port Gibson, Mississippi, Avis Turner of Brookhaven, Mississippi, and Lula Wooding of Monticello, Mississippi; sister-in-law Mildred Butler of Birmingham, Alabama; godchildren Jacqui Archer-Baker, Jasmine Edwards, and Kyon Postell; loving and caring caregiver Nicole Paige; extended family, dear friends, and all who were blessed to know him.

Percy Lee Butler was a gentle soul, steadfast, patient, humble, and generous. He spoke softly, loved deeply, and lived fully. His presence brought calm, his laughter brought warmth, and his love will continue to echo through generations.

Though he is no longer with us in body, Percy’s spirit remains alive in every garden that blooms, every act of kindness shared, and every heart that carries his memory.

Visitation will be held Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Radney Funeral Home, 3155 Dauphin Street, Mobile, Alabama. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 26, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Little Flower Catholic Church, 2053 Government Street, Mobile, Alabama. Burial will follow at Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort.