Linwood "Sonny" Butler

On Wednesday February 28,2024, Linwood Christian (Sonny) Butler, 89, of Brevard, North Carolina and San Antonio, Florida, went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ.

Sonny was predeceased in death by his parents Linwood Butler and Florence Butler, his first wife Barbara Ann Dinsmore Butler, His children Paulette Gary, Douglas Butler, Richard Butler, and Thomas Butler and Sisters Mary Randolf and Barbara Millard.

Sonny is survived by his loving wife Ruth Eleanor Kahler Butler; son Gregory Butler (Christine); step-sons Timothy Thew and Jeffrey Thew (Florence); son-in-law Ronald Gary; grandchildren Pamela Maldonado (Luis), Angela Harley (David), Gabrielle Butler (Timothy), Wyatt Butler (Evanie), Alana Butler, Odin Butler, Vincent Thew, Victor Thew, Zachary Thew, Veronica Thew, Samuel Thew, Garrett Thew, Trace Thew and Taylor Thew, Sharleen Wittnebel (Robbie) and Joe Gear as well as 6 great-grandchildren. Sonny also leaves behind Sister-in-laws Martha Guice, Beverly Kopf (Jim), and Jacalyn Hoffman and brother-in-law’s Donald Dinsmore, Bill Kahler (Bobbie) and Michael Kahler (Deborah).  Sonny is also survived by many close friends and extended family members including nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Sonny served in the US Air Force during the Korean War. He later served over 40 years with Department of Defense (NSA) at Arlington Hall Virginia and Fort Meade Maryland. His life centered around his love of golf. Vacations always included at least one round of golf at some of the best golf courses in the country or the World. One of his last requests in his life he asked to watch the golf channel. Sonny and Ruth’s marriage centered around their strong faith in their Lord Jesus Christ and their love of caregiving and helping family and friends.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Transylvania Hospital as well as our Pastors and Christian Partners, Veranita Alvord, Sabrina Tu, Marcus Dodson, Kerry Purselle, Brenda Whitcomb and Barbara Klingensmith for all of their love, support and care during Sonny’s long and hard journey. We couldn’t have made it without you!

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday March 17^th at 3:00PM at Brevard First United Methodist Church, 325 North Broad Street in Brevard, North Carolina. A later celebration will also be held in Maryland for family and friends who cannot travel to North Carolina.

Donations in Sonny’s memory may be made to Transylvania Christian Ministry Sharing House, 164 Duckworth Avenue, Brevard, NC 28712 or Brevard FUMC Foundation, 325 North Broad Street, Brevard, NC 28712.