Born in Greenwood County, he was a son of the late James Preston and Annie Lou Lowery Butler. He was a member of Chiquola Baptist Church. Gene was retired from the South Carolina National Guard after 21 years of service. He also retired from both Milliken and Torrington Companies. Gene was an original member of the Honea Path Rescue Squad and the Honea Path Fire Department. He was a member of Centre Lodge #37 A.F.M. and the Hejaz Shrine Temple. With all of his accomplishments in life, Gene’s most cherished role, and the title he was most proud of was “PaPa”, to the light of his life, Elyse, his granddaughter.

Surviving in addition to his loving wife of 65 years of the home are: his son, Mike (Lisa) Butler of Powdersville, and his beloved granddaughter, Elyse Butler.

Gene was the last surviving member of his immediate family, being preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, his twin, Larry Dean Butler, and James R. Butler, and his sister, Frances Wells.

Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. Friday, December 4, 2020 Chiquola Baptist Church with Rev. Ronnie Powell, Rev. Brad Haynes, and Mike Butler officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in Garden of Memories.

The family is at the home and will receive friends Friday from 1-2 P.M. at the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to Chiquola Baptist Church, 405 E. Greer St., Honea Path, SC 29654 or to Shriners Hospital for Children at donate.lovetotherescue.org. Messages of condolence may be made to the family at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com