R. Russell Butler

Russell Butler was born on January 30, 1920, in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1942, Russell enlisted in the United States Army, and served with distinction, as a radio operator, in the Army Air Corps, later Army Air Force; seeing action in the European theater during the Second World War. Russell flew on D-Day, and his unit, the 305th Squadron, 442nd Troup Carrier Group, dropped the 101st Airborne Division into Normandy. Russell saw action in Northern France; the Rome-Arno Campaign; the resupply of General George Patton’s Third Army during fighting in the Ardennes; and the airborne invasion of the German Rhineland. He was awarded the Bronze Star, the ATO Service Ribbon, and the World War II Victory Medal.

After the war, Russell launched a successful career in the business world. As an executive vice-president with Continental Consolidated Corporation, in Jacksonville, Florida; he managed the construction of the North American Aerospace Defense Command Combat Operations Center at Cheyenne Mountain, near Colorado Springs, Colorado; and much of the work to build the Cape Canaveral (later Kennedy) Space Center. He was a partner for many years at Southern Electric Company in Jacksonville, Florida. Russell and his beloved wife Elizabeth were married for 54 years, before she passed away in 1995. He is survived by his son, Alan Russell Butler of Simpsonville, South Carolina, and his wife Bettye; and two grandchildren, Andrew Ryan Butler and Amanda Elizabeth Butler.

Russell was an inspiration to all who knew him: optimistic, happy, and always there for friends and family. He was also a friend to animals and a strong supporter of the humane society. He earned a commercial pilot license and had a real passion for flying. He will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 28, at Lakewood United Methodist Church, 6133 San Jose Boulevard, in Jacksonville, Florida, with a Funeral Service in the chapel, at NOON. Interment will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lakewood United Methodist Church or the Jacksonville Humane Society.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.