Dr. Walter Butler, age 92, joined his beloved wife and many other loved ones in heaven on Monday, November 13th. He was born in Centerville, Mississippi on March 25, 1925, and raised in Jones County. He married his precious Annie Pearl Smith on February 24, 1950. They were married 57 years before her death in 2007. He was preceded in death by his mother, Pellie Estelle Pitts; his father, Russell Patrick Butler; his brothers Stanley, Oscar, Roland, Ray, Pete, Dan, and Burl; and his sisters Velma, Elma, and Ollie. He is survived by his children, Walter David Butler, Dwight Fleming Butler, and Cynthia Ann Butler; his grandchildren, Joshua David, Clayton John, Brittney Ann, Jessica Ann, Garrett Rodney, and Emilie Gayle; his great-grandchildren, Alexis Michelle, Lawson Garrett, Rowen Pearl “Little Annie”, and Kyle Clayton; his sister, Nell Moore and brother, Bill Butler; and many adoring family members, Kathy Butler, Anna Butler, Erica Butler, Jamie Butler, Robbie Roubique, and many nieces and nephews. He began his educational career as a child in the public schools of Jones County. After graduating high school, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After discharge from military duty, he returned home to resume higher education. He earned an AA Degree from Jones County Junior College. Afterwards, he attended the University of Mississippi then headed to Millsaps College where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry. He then enrolled in the University of Mississippi and earned a Master’s Degree in School Administration. Along with teaching, he pursued and earned a Doctor’s Degree in Educational Administration and Counseling. He did post-doctoral study at the University of Hawaii, Southeastern Louisiana University, and William Carey University. His career included positions as an elementary and secondary school teacher; both an elementary and secondary school principal; superintendent of a common school district; a junior college professor and department head; director of two university laboratory schools; and a university professor and administrator. His last administrative position was as Dean of the School of Education at William Carey University. Dr. Butler filled a 15 month top secret position as a chemist at Oak Ridge, Tennessee. In addition to his work as a chemist, he taught chemistry to chemical operators who were working on the atomic and hydrogen bomb projects. His work there remains classified. Dr. Butler was also an author. He wrote more than two dozen articles for state, regional, and national professional journals as well as conducted several research projects. He has published several non-fiction Christian books including: A Mansion on Glory Land, The Journey of Mankind, Meet Me at the House, Apostle Paul’s Epistle to the Church at Philippi: An Exposition, The Book of Acts: An Exposition, and Rules to Live By. His legacy will not soon be forgotten. We were eternally changed by knowing him and blessed by his compassion and love.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Thursday, November 16, 2017, at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm. Visitation will continue on Sunday, November 19, 2017 at Jones Funeral Home, 18 Moselle-Seminary Rd, Moselle, MS 39459, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Final visitation will be on Monday, November 20, 2017 at Fairfield Baptist Church, 942 Moselle-Seminary Rd, Moselle, MS 39459, from 11:00 am until the Funeral Service at 1:00 pm.
Interment will follow at Lott Cemetery in Seminary, Mississippi.
Friends in Hammond are ask not to send flowers since the final arrangements will take place in Mississippi. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Annie P. Smith Endowed Scholarship would be an appreciated tribute to Dr. Butler. Contributions can be made online by going to <https://indigo.wmcarey.edu/misc/donate.asp> or they can be sent to the William Carey University using the information below:
Attn: Dean Pace
WCU Box 141
710 William Carey Parkway
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
To view Walter's guest book visit www.harrymckneely.com.
