Rev. Franklin D. Butler

Rev. Franklin D. Butler, 79, of Valdosta, passed away Friday, November 29, 2013, at the Presbyterian Home, Quitman.
He was born February 6, 1934, in Albertville, Alabama, a son of the late Solomon and Ruby Butler. He grew up in Douglasville, Georgia, and has been a minister of the Gospel since age 15. A graduate of Lee College, Cleveland, Tenn., he was a retired Bishop in the Church of God, and a member of the Azalea City Church of God. During his service for the Lord he served as pastor for over 50 years with the Church of God, retiring in 2004 at Rosedale Church of God. Brother Butler served as pastor at 11 churches and founded three of the local Churches of God. He was a devoted and loving husband and father that provided for and tirelessly served his family and his church family with great compassion and care. He endlessly served the community through hospital, nursing home visitation and assisting with numerous weddings and funerals. His passion was serving God and leading the lost to Christ.

He had honorably served in the United State Air Force, and was retired from Gold Kist after 20 years of service.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty Harp Butler of Valdosta; four daughters, Lynne and Gary Beecham, Sr. of Hubert, NC, Brenda McGrath of Canaan, NH, Barbara and Glenn Frier of Valdosta, and Lisa and Scott Samples of Carlisle, PA; one son, Franklin David Butler of Valdosta; grandchildren, Celeste and Matt Corbett of Holly Spring, NC, Dr. Gary and Ashley Beecham of Coral Gables, FL, Brooke and Timmy Alexander of Valdosta, and William L. "Bo" Parmelee of Valdosta; great-grandchildren, Abigail Corbett, Evan Corbett, and Ryan Alexander; sisters, Sarah and Norman Lackey of Douglasville, and Elliott Butler Edgar of Wedowee, AL; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Freddy Butler and J.D. Butler; sisters-in-law, Frances Todd and Sharon Suggs; and a brother-in-law, Carl Harp, Jr.

The funeral service for Rev. Butler will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 2, 2013, at Azalea City Church of God, with Rev. Brett Jerriel and Rev. Raymond Gabbard officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Rev. Butler will lie in state at the church one hour prior to the funeral. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.


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