COLUMBIA A memorial service to celebrate the life of William Ryan Butler, 68, will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Union United Methodist Church, with inurnment at a later date in the church columbarium.
William Ryan “Butch” Butler passed away peacefully on Friday, April 14, 2023 after a long illness. Born November 2, 1954, Butch graduated from Airport High School in 1973 where he was active in the student government and lettered in four sports. He attended Newberry College and the University of South Carolina where he was a proud member of Chi Psi fraternity.
He was a lifelong salesman, working many years for Phillip Morris, Gregory Electric, and various car dealerships across the metro Columbia area. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his family, manning the grill, and watching the sprinklers in his backyard. Butch never met a challenge he didn’t face head on and always did things his way. His smile, laugh, and the sound of his constant whistling of Motown music will be forever missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Jean Butler and Janelle Blume Drake. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Tedi Neeley Butler; his children, Catherine Butler (Sarah Downey), Paige Butler Morton (Chris Morton), and Max Butler (Amber Butler); and grandchildren, Charlie and Neeley Morton.
The family would like to thank the many friends and family who supported them throughout Butch’s illness and the Agape House of Lexington for the care in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorials could be made to the Union United Methodist Music Fund or American Red Cross.
Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, Irmo, is assisting the family.
Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
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