Bob Butler

1930 - January 23, 2023

MR. ROBERT O’NEIL “BOB” BUTLER, SR., age 93, of Valdosta, GA, formerly of Eastman, GA died Monday, January 23, 2023, at Lynn Haven Health and Rehab Center in Gray, GA.

Obituary for Bob Butler

MR. ROBERT O’NEIL “BOB” BUTLER, SR., age 93, of Valdosta, GA, formerly of Eastman, GA died Monday, January 23, 2023, at Lynn Haven Health and Rehab Center in Gray, GA. 

 Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM Thursday, January 26, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Dr. Jerry Peele officiating, with interment in Orphans Cemetery.

 Bob was born in Knoxville, TN on January 18, 1930, and later moved to Bostwick, GA as a child. He and his family moved to Miami Beach, FL, where he later graduated from Miami Beach High School in 1949. He attended the University of Florida before he was drafted in the U.S. Army, where he served during the Korean Conflict. After concluding his military service, he returned to Miami for a short time before moving to Atlanta, GA where he began working in the Automobile Sales business in 1958. He later worked for several Automobile dealers for many years in Warner Robins, GA before moving to Eastman in 1982 where he opened and operated Bob Butler Ford for from 1982 to 1986. This was a longtime dream that Bob achieved in owning his own Ford Dealership. Bob also worked as an independent sales representative for many years as well as a consultant for Bearden Oil Company. Bob was an avid golfer, always a sporty dresser and loved to dance. He was a mason with the Eugene Smith Lodge #279, a member of the Al Sihah Shrine Temple in Macon, and a former past president of the Houston County Shrine Club. He was a past president of the Civitan Club in Warner Robins, a past president and dedicated member of the Dodge County Golf Club, and a member of the Francis Lake Golf Club in Francis Lake, GA. Among his many accomplishments in life were two hole-in-ones, one at Dodge County and one at Francis Lake. He enjoyed all the time he was able to spend with his family and the many friends he made over the years. He was the son of the late Zelma Bolton Butler and John Thomas Butler and was preceded in death by his Wife, Mary Braswell Butler, and 2 Brothers, Johnny Bolton Butler, and Ned Franklin Butler.

 He is survived by his Wife – Miriam Bullard Butler of Valdosta; Daughter – Marzel Butler Poss of Macon; Son – Neil Butler (Valerie) of Eastman; 4 Grandchildren – Nicole Butler (Tyler Wynne) of Pineview, Brittany Butler (Gage Pittman) of Eastman, Madelyn Poss of Macon, and Rebecca Gilliam of Eastman; 3 Step-Children – Kathy Fransioli (Ed) of Eatonton, Candy Forthe (Scott) of Valdosta, and Carl Bullard (Esther) of New Smyrna Beach, FL; Numerous Step-Grandchildren; Several Nieces and Nephews.

 The family may be contacted at the residence of Neil and Valerie Butler, 259 Pine Ridge, Rd., Eastman, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 1:00PM-2:00PM Thursday, January 26. In addition to flowers, the family request contributions to a charity of the donor’s choice.


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