Rev. Andrew Eugene Butts Sr.

The fourth son born to the late Deacon Levi Butts Sr. and Mother Ruthia Butts.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille Butts, daughter, Lori Butts, brothers, Deacon Vandy Butts, Bishop Stanford Butts, Pastor Levi Butts Jr. and sisters, Gloria Vaughn and Liza Butts.

As a toddler his parents moved the family from Georgia to Cleveland Ohio, where he attended the Cleveland Public Schools. As an adult, Pastor Butts met and married Lucille Rucker in 1962, four children were born to their union. He worked several jobs in the transportation industry. One of Pastor Butts most notable jobs was performing in front of thousands on Sunday afternoons, belting out the Star- Spangled Banner with his booming baritone voice at the Municipal Stadium before every home game for the Cleveland Browns NFL. From 1981, until 1995. He emphasized the highlight of his career came in 1989 when he was invited to accompany the team to England to perform his rousing rendition of the National Anthem at a NFL game in the Wembley Stadium where Queen Elizabeth II was in attendance.

Pastor Butts love for singing began at an early age, as a teenager he sang in the choir performing solos at Williams Temple COGIC. He was called to Ministry, became an Elder and Minister of Music. In doing so, he directed the choir and wrote several uplifting gospel melodies. His passion for writing music and directing choirs reached its pinnacle when he founded the Northeast Ohio Mass Chior. Under his leadership the choir travelled across the

Midwest spreading the gospel through song and worship. The talented musicians, singers and songwriters were anointed and blessed to record two albums. No Failure, and Right Away!

In 1994, the group became the first gospel choir to perform a sold out Live Recorded Album at Severance Hall!

Pastor Butts was also a powerful preacher and eloquent orator. His desire to see souls saved led him to becoming a Pastor in 1997, founding OMC Fellowship COGIC. His church services Were full of rousing worship and the profound word of God. Pastor Butts served as Administrative Assistant to two Bishops, and served as head of the Finance Committee of Ohio Southern Jurisdiction several years. In 2016 his wife Lucille Butts preceded him in death. Pastor Butts constantly reminded his congregation of his favorite Bible Verse, II CORINTHIANS 5 v17: THEREFORE IF ANY MAN BE IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATURE, OLD THINGS ARE PASSED AWAY, BEHOLD ALL THINGS ARE ВЕСОME NEW.

Pastor Butts was a devout family man who loved using humor to create rooms of joy and laughter. He spearheaded many family reunions and cherished time reconnecting with family

across the country. In 2018 Pastor Butts was blessed to meet and married Dorothy Spells Butts. Together they enjoyed several family events, UNO was one of the favorites. Because of the love and care of Dorothy and the support of his Sons, Pastor Butts had a peaceful transition from our arms into the arms of God.

Pastor Butts leaves behind his wife Dorothy, brother, Nathaniel (Juanita) sons, Andrew Jr. (Jessica), Erik (Wendy), Bryan (Tasha), God daughter, Demetria, Step daughter, Princess, Grandchildren, David (Shalla), Lauren, Veronica, Amber (Chris),Austin, Ryan, Jasmine, Samantha, Christopher, Ciavon, Toni, Chelsea, and a host of great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.