Frederick Charles Butler

FREDERICK CHARLES BUTLER of Alcoa, TN, departed this life on Thursday, November 17, 2011 following a brief illness. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on January 10, 1932 to Irish immigrants William (Willie) Thomas and Teresa (Tessie) Butler (nee Carr). Fred graduated from Northwestern High School in Detroit before apprenticing in the sheetmetal trade, in which he worked as a journeyman for over 30 years. Ever the Irishman, he had the gift of gab and could strike up a conversation anywhere and make instant friends. He loved to tell stories and will be remembered by all as someone who made them smile and laugh. He had many, many unique sayings which will passed down in perpetuity by his six children. Music was a constant in the house in which he raised his children, his favorite being country classics. Though he modestly referred to himself as “jack of all trades, master of none,�? he could repair or build anything from cars to bay windows. Fred also loved animals, and was especially fond of German shepherds. For many years he enjoyed traveling with his family in a camper, exploring every nook and cranny of his home state Michigan and other parts of the US. Preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law Katherine and Ken Perry; brother and sister-in law Thomas and Genevieve Butler; brother George Butler; and niece Barbara Harris. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Barbara Jean Butler (née Mimnaugh); son Timothy Butler of Alcoa, TN; daughter Jeanine Butler of Boulder, CO; son Frederick Carr Butler of Bloomfield Township, MI; daughter and son-in-law Julia Butler and David Lawrence of Dacula, GA; daughter and son-in law Jenepher and Douglas Moody of Powell, TN; and daughter and son-in-law Teresa and John I. McCusker, Jr. of Knoxville, TN. Also survived by grandson Liam Butler-Lawrence of Dacula, GA; sister-in-law Ginger Butler of Farmington Hills, MI; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 22 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Alcoa with funeral Mass to follow. Fred would want us to celebrate his life with humor and music. A reception will be held in the church hall following the mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brown Dog Foundation or Morris Animal Foundation. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Frederick Charles Butler please visit our Sympathy Store.