Tony Oliver Butts

August 30, 2021, after a lengthy progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Tony was 79

years old, and a native of Childersburg, Alabama, but resided in Knoxville,

Tennessee.

Tony graduated from Howard College and was quick to let folks know that was the

last year before it became Samford University -- and that he played football for

Bobby Bowden while there. He enlisted in the Navy and spent 2 years in Officers’

Training before an Honorable Medical Discharge changed his plans. He was very

proud of his time in the Navy. After his Naval discharge, Tony married Sandra

Tanner, and they recently celebrated 55 years of marriage. He was a devoted

husband, who always sought to make his bride happy. His Human Resource career

led him to work in Birmingham until 1986 when the family moved to Elizabethton,

Tennessee. He enjoyed his position at North American Rayon for many years, and

contributed to the community by involvement with various organizations and

charities. Daughters Kelley Butts Stevens (Craig Stevens) and Rae Butts Sells (Jon

Sells) gave him 5 amazing grandchildren: Katie Stevens (25), Nick Stevens (22),

Jack Stevens (18), Ella Sells (14), and Charleigh Sells (8).

Even though his memory was affected by Alzheimer’s, his sweet personality and

sense of humor was not. He loved a good story and was quick to crack a joke, Tony

was loved by everyone who has cared for him over the years. Caregivers, Doctors,

and Nurses all loved to joke and cut up with him. They always remembered him by

name.

Tony was preceded in death by his Mother and Father, Marion and Ruth Butts, and

his brothers, Don Butts (Maria Butts) and Joe Butts (Judy Butts). He is survived by

his wife, Sandra Tanner Butts; Daughters, Kelley Butts Stevens (Craig Stevens) and

Rae Butts Sells (Jon Sells); grandchildren Katie Stevens, Nick Stevens, Jack

Stevens, Ella Sells and Charleigh Sells; sister, Fran Butts Harry (Frankie Harry) and

brother, Marc Butts (Faye Butts).

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a private service for immediate family will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to alztennessee.org or to Calvary Baptist Church, Childersburg, Alabama in T.O.’s memory. We are so grateful for your prayers at this time.