Sammy Van Butler, 85, peacefully passed away on Monday, July 15, 2024, at home in Batesville, AR. He was born on November 19, 1938, to the late Preston and Sarah Alma (Hawkins) Butler in Batesville. He was a dedicated member of Bethlehem Baptist Church. Sammy joined the US National Guard at the age of fifteen years old. He served for two years and then joined the US Army, where he served for eight years. After that, he joined the US Navy and served for four years. After Sammy got out of the Navy, he opened his own business called Butler Brothers Painting. He worked alongside his brother for over fifty-two years, and they were well-known in the community. Sammy also worked for several other people throughout his career, including Larry Bolin. Sammy retired in 2016.
It was in 2016, that Sammy met the love of his life, Teresa Robertson. They were married in 2017, and were a match made in heaven and inseparable. Sammy enjoyed traveling with his wife, hunting, fishing, and gardening. When he wasn’t doing those things, he liked to go to McDonalds to talk to old friends and even make some new friends. Whatever the Lord put on Sammy’s heart, he was a good and faithful servant through it all until God took him home. His memory will forever be cherished by family, friends, and anyone that was blessed to meet him.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory: his wife, Teresa (Robertson) Butler of the home; sister-in-law, Telisa Strickland of Jacksonville, FL; brothers, Norman Butler (Donna) and Johnny Butler, both of Batesville, AR; half-sisters, Elizabeth Branscum (Lynn) and Ann Downs (Jimmy); children, Barbara Brooks, Randy Butler (Lavonne), and Melissa Massey; grandchildren, Natasha Norris, Nick Butler (Morgan), Jason Treat (Erika), Brandon Treat (Hilary), Crystal Massey, and Micah Witt (Drew); ten great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; special friends, Saundra Robertson, Earl Robertson, Sue Street, and Chris Buckliew; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Rheba Anderson and Carolyn Silas.
There will be a visitation held at Willis Funeral Service Chapel on Saturday, July 20, 2024, from 10 AM to 11 AM. The funeral service, officiated by Lawrence Butler, will begin at 11 AM with interment following at Roselawn Cemetery in Batesville, AR. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Marcus Norris, James Sauerwin, Chris Buckliew, Earl Robertson, and Grant Earls. Honorary pallbearers are Larry Bolin, Arthur Montgomery, Andy Montgomery, George Brown, Jim Lemaster, and Rick Elumbaugh.
We wish to express our sincere gratitude for every act of kindness and expression of sympathy extended to us during this difficult time. We know that God is good. We pray that He will continue to bless each of you.
The Family of Sammy Butler
