Willie Lee Butler, 71, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 2, 2021, at Hillcrest Hospital in Oklahoma. Willie was born June 30, 1951, in Grapeland, Texas to WB and Ellen Butler. Willie grew up in Grapeland, Texas and graduated from Grapeland High School. After high school he moved to Houston before going into the Military and being honorably discharged. He attended Texas A&M and worked as a Refrigeration Engineer until his retirement.
Willie grew up in the church and remained involved in the House of the Lord, as a deacon at Shiloh Baptist Church of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Willie (Bill) Butler was one of a kind and a man that never met a stranger. His heart was a big as Texas and he would not hesitate to lend a helping hand to those in need. Some of you man know him as the” Domino King” and he would school anyone who dares to challenge he and his brother, Jimmie to play. He was the life of the party! He kept everyone laughing and talking. We know he is in heaven - challenging someone to a game of dominoes.
Willie was a loving father, grandfather, brother and a great friend to many. He will be truly missed.
He is preceded in death by both parents WB and Ellen Butler, brothers Fred C. Butler, John “Sonny Boy” Butler, James “Peter” Butler; sisters Elaine Butler, Betty Rose Dancer, Ethel Jewel Coleman, and Bertha Mae Hadnox.
Left to cherish his memories is his wife of twenty-one years Merlyn Butler, his ex-wife or two years Andrea Butler and his ex-wife of twenty-six years Mary Butler; six children : sons Toby Butler, Dallas, TX, Robert & Tracy Steward, Houston, Texas, Ken Butler, Glenpool, Oklahoma; daughters Sharon & Mark Washington, Katy, TX, Climmie Butler, Katy, Texas, Franshell Hill-Cole & Carlos Cole, Tulsa, Oklahoma; eighteen grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; brothers Jimmie Lee & Regenia Butler, Dallas, Texas; sisters Margie Butler, Crockett, Texas, Ruby (Penny) Kent, Grapeland, Texas, Rose & Jack Jones, Grapeland, Texas and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation: Saturday, December 11, 2021 - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Service: Saturday, December 11, 2021 - 11:00 AM
Rising Star Baptist Church
Grapeland, TX 75844