William Edward Butler, Sr.
William Edward Butler, Sr. passed away April 27, 2019. He was born November 17, 1926 in Delta, Colorado with his early years spent in Mountain City, Tennessee. He graduated high school from R.J. Reynolds in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In 1945 he entered the US Army serving as a sergeant in Europe until 1947. Upon his return, he entered Wake Forest University where he was a member of the Varsity football team. He received his BS degree in Physical Education and Health Science and later his Masters from Middle Tennessee State University. He was a teacher, coach, and high school administrator in the Atlanta City school system for 28 years and later in the Dekalb County school system at Chamblee High School and Stone Mountain High School before retiring. In 2017 he was honored with his induction into the Chamblee High School Hall of Fame. Throughout the years, countless former students have honored him by coming by to speak with him and tell him of his influence on their lives. He was a long-time member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Decatur. He loved his Demon Deacons, playing golf, John Wayne movies, music from the big band era but more than anything else, his family and the time spent with them. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Frances Gaddy Butler, his sons Ed Butler, Jr (Jan), Bob Butler (Keigh), and his daughter, Becky Butler Aydelette (Buddy); his grandchildren Blair Butler Avendano (Mario), Lauren Aydelette Cooley (Joe), Lindsey Aydelette Howell (Gil), Kendall Butler Adams (Josh), Graham Butler (Amanda), and Cameron Butler Wooten (Ethan), and great grandchildren Jackson and Reese Howell, Sam and EmmaClaire Cooley,Tripp and Abby Butler, and Hallie and Madeline Adams.
Memorial Service will be 2:00, May 1 at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Decatur GA with, interment for immediate family in Floral Hills Memory Gardens. Visitation at 1:00 pm in the church. The family would like to thank KingsBridge Retirment Community for their unwavering love and care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Eagle Ranch.
Psalm 116:15 “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”
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Fond memories of my time, over 50 years ago, with Coach Butler at North Fulton High school. He was always two things, tough and fair, to all of us who played football for the Bulldogs. He’s a coaching legend. May he rest in peace.
Best coach at North Fulton but better man. Never met anyone who didn’t respect him.
He was the best coach at North Fulton. I never met anyone who didn’t respect him. He will be missed by many. Not sure they make anymore like him!
My condolences to all the Butler family. Mr (Coach) Butler was a Great Gentleman in every way possible. He always greeted me with his smile and hand shake. He will be sorely missed by everyone’s lives he touched. Let’s rejoice in his entry into Heaven. What a man. Walked the walk and talked the talk. R.I.P. Mr. Butler.
Coach Butler was such a legend…. he will be missed by all the students who were privileged enough to play or study under him.
Thanks for all your hard work and dedication to the Chamblee High School class of 1990
My condolences to Coach’s family!
May you Rest In Peace and God’s loving arms surround your family and friends who feel your loss.
Thanks Coach for all you did and meant to me. You know what I mean. Ed, Janice and I are praying that you and your family will always cherish your wonderful memories I know you all have
I only met Big Ed in his son, Bob who has honored his Father by the man that he is. Ed’d legacy lives on through his wife, children and sll those he touched. God bless all who miss him, but God has already done so because you all knew him.
Our sincere condolences to your family.
Brenda Goodman, CHS Class of 1980
Carolyn Goodman Horrell, former CHS Librarian
Thank you for all you have done for so many. You were truly a blessing in countless lives. I fondly remember that smile! May you r now rest in peace knowing what an incredible job you have done. My prayers go out to the Butler family.
Chamblee HS c/o 1992
Mr Butler,
You will truly be missed! Thank you so much for being a dear friend to me all these years. may you rest in peace.
Cooper E. Taylor III
Rest In Peace, Mr. Butler. My deepest condolences to his family. He will always be a part of my fond memories of Chamblee High School.
CHS Class of ’85
I never knew a finer person. He was a coach, mentor, friend and inspiration to me and the main reason I became a Demon Deacon. He encouraged me to be the best I could be, and I will be forever grateful to him He will be missed.
Great man! Influenced me to go to Wake Forest after Chamblee HS which was a fantastic decision!
Wonderful coach. Wonderful man> I pray blessings and comfort for his family.
RIP – coach Butler what a blessing to have know you. Ronnie & Patsy Terrell. Fulton High school, class of 1956!!!!!
Thank you for your service to our country Brother and thank you for all the great memories about you while I was at Chamblee HS from ’89-’92. Fair Winds and Following Seas. Rest in Peace Sir!
Quote from Ed Butler “You have no right to put your hands on any student in this high school!!!!”
He was one of a kind and he will be missed