ROCK FALLS – Educator and preacher, Billy B. Butler, 86, of Rock Falls, died Monday, May 29, 2017, at Aperion Care Amboy.
He was born July 4, 1930, in Corinth, Mississippi, the son of Charles and Cordelia (Blankenship) Butler. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Army Air Forces in Japan. He married Crystal Mae Bragg on Jan. 2, 1957, in Sterling. Mr. Butler had served as a long-time teacher at Dillon School in Rock Falls for many years, and in retirement, moved to Paducah, Kentucky. He also was an active preacher at numerous Church of Christ congregations. He and his wife, Crystal, served as house parents with the Church of Christ Children’s Homes.
Survivors include his wife, Crystal; two sons, Clifton (Stacy) Butler of Rock Falls and Tim Butler of Sterling; a sister, Elaine; three grandchildren, Ashley Butler, Ariel Butler, and Gage Butler; a stepgranddaughter, Alexis Lawton; and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings.
Graveside military honors will be conducted at 12:30 p.m. Friday at Rock Island National Cemetery.
McDonald Funeral Homes is handling arrangements.