Ray A. Butler

Our world is much richer because we were blessed to have Ray Alfred Butler in our lives. This “Man for All Seasons” began his earthly sojourn through life on Sunday, October 27, 1957, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and completed his journey on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas, with his daughter at his bedside. He was the second child of Columbus and Liza Hughes Butler. He was fondly known to family and friends as Ray Alfred.

In 1960, when he was 3, Ray, along with his mother and sister, moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At the age of 10, he made a personal decision to accept Christ as his Savior. His mother married Edgar T Russell in 1975. He raised and loved Ray as his own son.

Ray grew up to be a handsome and well-behaved young man. His mother always made sure that he was clean, smelling good and fashionable dressed from head to toe. A trait that followed him all his life.

He was intelligent, outgoing, and fiercely loyal, and formed lifelong friendships with many classmates while attending Victor Burger Elementary School and Robert Fulton Middle School in Milwaukee. Curious and excited about the possibilities of life outside of Milwaukee, Ray moved to Sparkman and graduated from Sparkman High School.

After returning to Milwaukee, he was employed at various places, and finally, he worked with JB Hunt as a professional truck driver, where he worked for over 10 years. After finding love in 1985, he married Rosalind and they were blessed with one beautiful child, Raelana Butler.

He made one last move back to Arkansas and retired from CalARK Trucking. He rededicated himself as a member of Macedonia Baptist Church in Sparkman and reestablished close ties to his family and friends. Ray Alfred absolutely adored going golfing, fishing, and bowling! You could often catch him cheering for his favorite football teams, the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Bucks. Ray was a rare jewel who was full of life and zest. He loved to dance, he loved hard, and never met a stranger.

Ray was preceded in death by his “dad,” Edgar T. Russell, and his nephew, Sylvanous Butler Brown.

Ray leaves his mother Liza Russell of Milwaukee, WI; his father, Colombus Butler of Sparkman, AR; his children, Raelana Butler of Milwaukee, WI, Raymond Butler of Milwaukee WI, Chez Bass of Houston TX, Kal Butler of Milwaukee WI; his grandsons, Daevion Smith of Houston, TX, and Kell Kirk of Milwaukee, WI; granddaughter, Alaia Kirk of Milwaukee, WI; a bonus son, Julian Brown; a bonus daughter, Ashley Travers; three sisters, Betty Butler Brown of Milwaukee, WI, Joyce Butler Brody of Dallas, TX, Karen Butler-Hatcherson, Alabama and one brother, Jimmy Butler of Dallas, TX; bonus sister, Shelia Petry of Phoenix, AZ and Evelyn Hodges of Little Rock, AR; nephews, Lovell Butler, Brandon Butler Brown; special brothers, Timothy Wright & Brian Green. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Ray Butler was a “father figure” to many other children who were both near and far.

The Family Sentiment

We are so grateful for the time that God allowed us to have, hold, and love the soul we have known as Ray Butler. He was the heartbeat of our family, and we already feel his physical absence, but even more, his spirit lives on in our hearts and memories. Thank you for your genuine outpouring of love and support, which is a true testament to the impact that he made on so many lives. Our lives will never be the same, but we find our greatest comfort in Christ, the community, and memories. Special thanks to Margaret Johnson, Pat Utley, Cora Adams, and finally Audrey Bragg Johnson for always making sure that he was well groomed. Again, thanks for walking along with us on this journey called death. Joy will come in the morning.

The honorary pallbearers will be Brian Green and Tim Wright. Active pallbearers will be Lovell Butler, Kell Kirk, Julian Brown, Chez Bass, and Daevion Smith