Robert Ray Butler

Robert known to most as Bob or Bobby, was born on May, 22, 1936 in Watertown, Tn. The son of Riley & Addie Butler. On September 20, 1957 he married Shirley Kay Hudson and they enjoyed 59 years together. He was affectionately termed "corn" by his childhood friends as his silky blonde hair resembled corn silks, and later on, "Daddy Bob" by grandchildren due to the special, close relationship he had with all of them.

Bob served in the U.S. Armed Forces and was stationed in Landstuhl, Germany. It was there that he gave his life to the Lord. In January of 1959 he was baptized in Heidelberg, Germany. It was also in Germany that his oldest child, Kathy was born.

After serving in the Army, Bob and his family returned to Tennessee where he worked for many years as a salesman for Enterprise Appliance Company and later for the Home Depot.

Bob was an avid sportsman and sports fan. From baseball, softball, football to Nascar, he loved all things sports. He especially enjoyed cheering on the University of Tennessee Volunteers. Bob was also an accomplished athlete himself, playing both baseball and football while he attended college, and competitively boxing while in the Army. Bob also coached many little league teams and spent countless hours cheering on his kids and grandkids at various events.

Bob was an outgoing and welcoming person who "never met a stranger." His warmth and kindness and happy smile attracted all types of people, but especially children who would light up in his prescence. He was extremely generous, giving all he had whether it be money or time. Through the years he was very active in his church, Lebanon Road Church of Christ, as well as organizations such as Civitan and the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief.

Bob is survived by his wife, Shirley; three children, Kathy Gumz of Gallatin, Marc (Julie) Butler of Lebanon, Karen (Brian) Slater of Hermitage; 8 grandchildren, Shannon (Dustin) Murphy, Kristyn (Caleb) Boyd, Christopher Slater, Austin (Heather) Slater, Aaron (Briana) Butler, Cody (Katy) Butler, Chelsea Slater, Grayson Butler; 6 great grandchildren, Hudson Murphy, Holland Murphy, Addy Boyd, Anderson Boyd, Aiden Slater, Bennett Slater; one brother, Charlie (Betty) Butler. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by 5 brothers and 2 sisters.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at Hermitage Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 11 am -1pm with Funeral services beginning at 1pm. Interment with military honors, will be immediately following the service. All memorial donations may be made to the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort, Inc.