Alton Butler passed away peacefully on August 11, 2017 at the age of 82. Alton is preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years; Helen. Also preceded in death by his parents Cornice Alton Butler, Sr. and his mother Stella Mae Butler, brothers Charles and Horace. He is survived by his four children; Barry Butler (Jeanni), Donna Davis(Ed), Michael Butler (Lynn) and Melanie Poff (John), 10 grandchildren; Bryan Butler, Carla Courvis, Brandon Butler, Laurel Long, Adam Davis, Tara Butler, Blake Butler, Brett Butler, Kaitlyn Poff and Trey Poff; and eight great-grandchildren; Lucas Butler, Logan Barker, Hannah Davis, Grace Davis, Braedon Butler, Maxwell Butler, Miles Butler, Autumn Courvis.
Alton was born on April 24, 1935 in Mecklenburg County, NC. He graduated from Tech High School in 1954. He married Helen, his High School sweetheart shortly thereafter. In 1957 Alton began his career as a firefighter for the Charlotte Fire Department that spanned thirty-five years. In the early years of his career he was a member of the Charlotte Fire Department Baseball Team. He was elected to Charlotte Fire Department Retirement Board where he was instrumental in restructuring the pension plan for the entire Charlotte Fire Department.
He retired in 1992 as Station Commander for the Charlotte Fire Department. He and Helen devoted their lives to raising four children and supporting their many activities including sporting events and church activities. He was an active member of Parkwood ARP, New Covenant ARP and Hickory Grove United Methodist Church.
When the Carolina Panthers came to NC, he and Helen were among the first to purchase PSL’s. They attended every home game for the first 20 years of the Panthers existence. One of the highlights of his life was attending the Panthers Fan Cruise for their 60th Wedding anniversary which was a gift from their children.
Alton and Helen have a beautiful beach home in Oak Island, NC. They fulfilled their dream to build this house themselves with the assistance of several of his life-long friends from the Fire Department and enjoyed many relaxing summers and falls hosting family and friends. This was a home away from home and is a legacy for future generations.
Throughout his life, Alton took great pride in his family and all of their accomplishments. He celebrated every milestone and looked forward to each holiday. We will never forget the laughter and love we enjoyed with this wonderful man that touched so many lives.
We love you Dad and you will forever be in our hearts.
A visitation is scheduled for Thursday, August 17th at McEwen Funeral Home at Sharon Memorial Park at 10:30 am, with a service to follow at 11:30 am.
In lieu of flowers, please consider sending donations to the Charlotte Fire Fighter’s Burned Children’s Fund (www.ffbcf.org) and please select Charlotte-Mecklenburg County under Chapters.
Arrangements under the direction of McEwen Funeral Services, Charlotte, NC.
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