Clarence Billy Butler

Clarence Billy Butler of Orange Park, Florida passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on March 27, 2024 at the age of 94. He was born in Langdale, Alabama to William C. Butler and Irma Crowder. Billy was a Christian and belonged to the Baptist Church. Billy was a graduate of Auburn University and proudly served in the United States Navy for 25 years. He was a pilot and military intelligence specialist, traveling and serving all over the world. He received the Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, European Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal (with star), Vietnam Service Medal and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device. He retired with Honorable Discharge as a Commander in 1976. He started Butler Irrigation in 1977 and was a proud small business owner serving the community until he retired in 1989. He was married to Shirley DeLoach Butler for 65 years and together they raised three children working hard to provide for their family. Billy loved flying (jets, small aircraft and gliders), sailing, playing golf, fishing, traveling and spending time with his family. He loved his dogs! He and Shirley sailed extensively around Florida and in the islands. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jimmy Gibson, Luther Gene Gibson and his beloved wife, Shirley. Billy is survived and will be greatly missed by his daughters, Tammy Butler, Stacy (Nick) Pallitto and his son, Chip Butler; Grandchildren, Nick Pallitto, Amanda Murrhee, Savannah Saari, Cody (Hannah) Butler and Ryan Butler; Great-Grandchildren, Ashton Murrhee, Veda Pallitto and Deklyn Butler; sister Rita Slater and brother Ronnie Gibson. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ "High Flight" Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds,-and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of-wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there, I've chased the shouting wind along, and fling My eager craft through footless halls of air... Up, up the long delirious, burning blue I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark nor ever eagle flew- And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand and touched the face of God. By John Gillespie Magee Jr.