George Stuart Butler Jr.

George Stuart Butler, Jr., 74, died on March 19, 2024, at his residence in Knoxville. He was born to George Stuart Butler, Sr., and Mary Warren Christ Butler on May 28, 1949. As a student at Huntsville High School, he was inducted into the National Honor Society, and his motto was “Nothing is impossible for those who strive.” He graduated from Birmingham-Southern College in Birmingham, AL, with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Upon graduation, he embarked upon an accounting career in Birmingham until he moved to Knoxville in 1976, working with a local trucking company. George and Frances Hall met at Birmingham-Southern College. They were married at the Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in 1972. In Knoxville, George was an active member of First United Methodist Church, and Cokesbury United Methodist Church, where he served on finance committees. He was later confirmed and received into the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in 2016, where he was a member at the time of his passing. George’s work life took him to Oak Ridge, where as a Finance Officer he supported multiple organizations, including Central Accounting. At one time or another, he was assigned to all three Oak Ridge sites: ORNL, K-25 and Y-12, from which he retired in 2009. His fondest memory was supporting the National Security Program Office, where he made many friends. As a community volunteer, George became a Cub Scout assistant den leader when his son George III (Trip) joined a troop. He served in Boy Scouts of America (BSA) leadership as a Scoutmaster for Troop 46 and received the Vigil Honor Order of the Arrow (OA) as an active member of the Pellissippi Lodge. He was District Program Chairman of the Toqua District, serving with distinction. His diligence and attention to detail earned him the highest award for a BSA volunteer, the Silver Beaver. George was an avid philatelist, and collector of all things related to his favorite college football team, the Alabama Crimson Tide. He was a talented and skilled amateur photographer, taking his camera everywhere he went. Even though he wasn’t especially fond of travel, he agreed with Frances to take an Alaskan land tour by rail and an ocean cruise. It was the trip of a lifetime, and to no one’s surprise, he managed to complete several photo albums! During his BSA Wood Badge Training, he also became interested in collecting carved owls and had an impressive collection of BSA and OA memorabilia. He was preceded in death by both parents. Survivors include his siblings Mary Evelyn, Edward (Debe), Robert (Yvonne), and Lillian (Steve LaCroix); wife, Frances and his children George Stuart Butler III (Morgan Wilson) and Mary Carathers (Charles); grandchildren Damon Christensen, Thomas, Henry, and Katherine Carathers; many beloved friends, fellow scouters, former coworkers, and devoted caregivers at Northshore Heights Senior Living. Survivors also include long-time personal caregivers Mary Johnson, Sana Omari, and Teresa Bronson. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Boy Scouts of America (Great Smoky Mountain Council), or Episcopal Church of the Ascension. The funeral will be held Saturday, April 13, at 2:00 pm at Church of the Ascension (800 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville, 37919) with Fr. Billy Daniel, Fr. Christopher Hogin, and Rev. Rebekah Fetzer officiating. Interment will be in the Ascension Columbarium. A reception and receiving of friends will follow the service in the Parish Hall. Online condolences may be extended at rosefuneraltn.com

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George Stuart Butler Jr.

May 28, 1949 - March 19, 2024