Gregory Butler

Greg was born March 22, 1964, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the son of Ronald and Carolyn Black Butler. He married Linda Blakley on May 21, 1994.

Greg attended boarding school through his elementary and high school years, graduating from Rift Valley Academy in 1983. He attended Lincoln Christian College and also took Airplane Mechanics courses. After school, Greg worked for a construction company in Paris, IL, and was the former owner of Butler Custom Woodworking. Most recently, he was employed with Bailey Hardwoods, Inc. Greg was a member of South Side Christian Church, a former volunteer at Sangamon County Animal Control where he walked the dogs, Springfield Illinois Mountain Biking Association, and a wood-turning club. He enjoyed mountain biking and woodworking.

Greg started martial arts in 2007. He was a 4th degree Black Belt in Kenpo Jutsu holding the title of Renshi, Master Instructor. He was a certified instructor level 3 and on the Board of Directors for Nippon Ketsugo Ryu Kenpo Jutsu International. Greg also held the rank of 2nd stripe Brown Belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsue on his path to Black Belt.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Butler; infant son, Christopher Butler; brother, Jeff Butler; and sister, Suellen Shay.

Greg is survived by his wife, Linda Butler of Springfield; sons, Jeff Butler of St. Louis, MO and Mike Butler of San Luis Obispo, CA; mother, Carolyn Butler of Capetown, South Africa; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jim and Peggy Blakley of New Berlin; brothers-in-law, Jamie (Carla) Blakley of Chatham and Don Shay of Capetown, South Africa; nephews, Braden, Justin, and Casey Blakley; nieces, Charissa, Danielle, and Emily Shay and Kaylee Ott; and his two beloved dogs, Dobby and Buddy.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

A Memorial Ceremony will be held on Thursday, October 6, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S. MacArthur Blvd, Springfield with a Celebration of Life to be planned at a later date, all are welcome to attend.

Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Sangamon County Animal Control, P.O. Box 9742, Springfield, IL 62791 or the American Brain Tumor Association, 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 550, Chicago, IL 60631.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.