Sam Butler Jr.

Preceded in death by his parents Samuel E Butler Senior and Kathleen Beeton Butler, his brother Douglas Butler and sister Karen Butler Saito, and wife Glenda Henson Butler.

He is survived by his son Norman Butler, his daughter Jolie Butler Mayo and son in Law Francis (Frank) Lee Mayo III, granddaughters Amanda Kay Mayo and grandson in law Nick Saalwaechter of Cleveland, Mississippi and granddaughter Annaliese Louise Mayo of Statesboro, Georgia.

Mr. Butler began his life working on a newspaper route in Alexandria, Virginia at the age of 9. He later worked as a soda jerk and lifeguard. Sam was full of curiosity and read the complete set of Encyclopedias as a child. He played the accordion as a child and took flying lessons. He spent time in the Army with his much honored 101st Airborne. For the remainder of his life, he could be seen proudly wearing his Screaming Eagle hat. While in the Army, Sam met Glenda Louise Hanson at a USO dance in Phoenix, Arizona and she quickly became the love of his life. After Glenda Hanson became his wife, it became too much for Sam to hitchhike back and forth from Ft. Campbell, Kentucky to East Point, Georgia so Sam left the Army to join the family business and became a railroad man where he trained as an electrician for Southern Railway, later Norfolk Southern. Sam and Glenda welcomed their first child, Norman Alfred and then four years later Jolie Elizabeth Anna came along to complete their family. Sam spent his nights working on the railroad, but his days were spent growing a huge garden and always working at Cedar Grove United Methodist Church. He may have missed Sunday church for work, but he was always an active member. Sam lived up to his childhood nickname of “Tinker” because he was always working or fixing something. Many neighbors benefitted from the hard work of Sam Butler. Sam was an avid volleyball player and spent his early retirement as a referee and was privileged to run the practice sites for the World’s Olympic volleyball teams for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Life moved on and Jolie and Norman grew up. Jolie married Frank Mayo and they in turn welcomed two daughters who proved to be the greatest delight their grandfather had ever known. Later in life, the family adopted Leeann Mussatt who brought more joy to the family. Sam’s senior years were spent telling anyone who would listen about the accomplishments of his granddaughters. Although Sam lost his eyesight and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he continued to be a faithful servant of Jesus. Sam’s mind was always occupied with ways to serve others. He will always be remembered for his kindness, his jokes, and his service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. You can mail a check to

1. Mt Zion UMC Ellenwood, 984 Panola Rd, Ellenwood, Ga 30294.

2. Text Give to 404-637-0126 and follow directions.

3. Go to www.mtzionumcellenwood.org follow directions under the Give tab.

4. Go to the GoFundme site at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-ellenwood-umc-restore-our-church