Charlie Franklin Butler: Tabor City

1938 – 2023

     Charlie Franklin Butler of Tabor City, husband of Britty A. Butler, made his last fishing trip on Dec. 16, and has gone to reside with his Savior. He was 85.

     Charlie was born Sept. 23, 1938 in Obion County, Tennessee, the son of Charley C. and Elizabeth (Brown) Butler. He attended Obion County, Tennessee, schools. He was of the Baptist faith and attended Sandy Plain Baptist Church.

     He proudly joined the U.S. Navy in 1959 and retired, honorably in 1977. CPO Butler sailed the waters of the globe during the Vietnam War as a Boatman’s Mate and during the later years of his service as a Boatman’s Instructor in Great Lakes, Illinois and Charleston, South Carolina. He received numerous medals and awards during his years of service.

     Charlie married his sweetheart, Britty Ann Carlisle Fowler, who survives, and who he lovingly called “Sug” on June 29, 2009 and spent many happy years with her camping, fishing, and visiting family at Santee National Park in South Carolina, the Waccamaw River in North Carolina, and Reelfoot Lake in Tennessee. He loved to crappie, bream and catfish and was a talented wood craftsman. He also loved to watch his westerns on TV.

     In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Stephanie Bunch of Woodland Mills, Tennessee and Tammy Williams (Ricky) of Michie, Tennessee; and two sons, Butch Butler (Glenda) of Union City, Tennessee, and Nicky Fowler (Angela) of Tabor City.

     Affectionately called “The Root” or “Poppa Freckles” by his grandchildren and great grandchildren, he is survived by nine grandchildren, Drew, Eric, Brandon, Shannon, Bethany, Laykon, Logan, Owen, and Emma; twenty-seven great grandchildren; and three great great-grandchildren, with one on the way.

     He also leaves a host of special nieces, nephews, and brothers and sisters in-law.

     In addition to his parents, Charlie was predeceased by his granddaughter, Ashley; his great grandson, Aaron; his six sisters, Louise, Mary Ellen, Zora Mae (his best friend), Gertrude, Lillian, and Myree; and his six brothers, John Henry, J.D., Paul, Richard, Jack, and L.D.

     In lieu of flowers, the family request any donations be sent to a Veteran’s organization of your choice or to Sandy Plain Baptist Church, 6824 Swamp Fox Hwy E., Tabor City, NC 28463.

     A memorial service was planned for 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, in the Inman Ward Funeral Home Chapel.

     Visitation was planned for the hour preceding the service in the chapel.

     Sign a guest register here.