Chris Butler

Chris Butler, 38, of Valdosta, died on Saturday, February 25, 2017, from injuries received in an automobile accident, while in the line of duty. Born on December 4, 1978, in Valdosta, he was the son of Elizabeth Rigsby Butler and the late Commander Bill Butler of the Valdosta Police Department. Chris grew up in Valdosta, graduating from Valdosta High School in 1997, where he played and loved Wildcat Football. He attended Valdosta State University, was a member of Delta Chi Fraternity, and graduated in 2001 with degrees in Accounting and Finance. In the late 2000's Chris graduated from University of Georgia School of Banking. He and the former Heather Cox, whom he had met in high school and dated for six years, were married in June of 2002. During his 11-year banking career at Commercial Banking Company, Chris rose to the position of Sr. Vice President. Following in his father's footsteps as a lifelong law enforcement officer, Chris attended the Regional Police Academy in Tifton. Chris then volunteered over 300 hours with law enforcement before accepting a position as a Deputy with the Lowndes County Sheriff's Department in August of 2016.

An avid Florida Gator Football fan, Chris enjoyed shooting sports and was a member of Morningside Baptist Church. He was a devoted family man, a loving husband, father, son and brother. Chris was a kind, gentle, quiet man, yet unwavering in his convictions.

Survivors are his wife, Heather Cox Butler of Valdosta; his twin daughters, Ella Grace Butler and Emma Catherine Butler of Valdosta; his mother, Elizabeth Rigsby Butler of Valdosta; sister and brother in law, Heather and Jared Petry of Nashville, Tennessee; father in law and his spouse, Gary and Heidi Cox of Valdosta; brother in law and sister in law, Erik and Lori Cox of Hahira; niece and nephew, Ethan Cox and Halle May Cox; brothers in law, Kiep Coggins and Brinson Coggins of Valdosta; and several other aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Commander Bill Butler, his mother in law, Jo Karon Cox and his maternal grandparents, Randy and Ruth Rigsby.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2016, at 4 p.m. at Morningside Baptist Church. Reverend Wayne Robertson will officiate. Burial will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the Carson McLane Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 5 - 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a college fund for Chris's twin daughters. Funds should be designated for Ella Grace and Emma Butler, C/O Commercial Banking Company P.O. Box 100 Valdosta GA 31603. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home



Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602