William Gene Butterfield

William Gene Butterfield "Mr. B" passed away Tuesday January 14th after a lengthy illness. He was preceded in death by his parents Byron Ray Butterfield and Bessie Lee Hunnicutt as well as his brother Boise Ray Butterfield and sister Eunice Lee Butterfield. He was born in Macomb, Illinois on August 13, 1924. He served as an Army Staff Sergeant in WWII in both Africa and Italy and received two bronze battle stars. He retired after 25 years at Ingalls Shipyard and was a long-time resident of Grand Bay, Al

He married Barbara J. Strader on December 20, 1945 in Macomb, Illinois. He leaves behind his loving wife Barbara of 68 years, three daughters, Christie J. Morris, Cindy J. Miears (John), Cathy J. Howell (Keith), grandchildren Candi Murray (David), Cookie Palmer, Kelly Miears, Shannon Miears, Raychel Larson (Randy), Michael Howell (Danielle), Nicole Howell and great-grandchildren Andrew Murray, Patrick Murray, Sean Murray, Aaron Palmer, JJ Simpson, Chloe Larson, Ash Miears, Clayton Kimbro, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

Mr "B" never met a stranger and his jokes and riddles were infamous amongst family, friends and the staff at many Mobile area medical facilities. He believed that there was almost nothing that a hug or peppermint couldn't fix. He loved cross word puzzles, sudoku, ice cream, cookies and most desserts. Generations of Grand Bay area children have fond memories of visiting the Butterfield home at Halloween for both candy and an apple (for good health of course!). He was quick to talk politics or current events over a cup of coffee to anyone who would listen.

He was our family hero. His family was always first. He taught kindness, love, honesty, respect and the importance of laughter. He had faith that tomorrow might bring better things, and faith in a higher being than ourselves. Even near the end he still had a smile for everyone. He leaves behind many cherished memories, and will be greatly missed.

Visitatation is on Saturday, January 18th at 1:00 PM to be followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM at Mobile Memorial Gardens (6100 Three Notch Road, Mobile, Al. 36619)

Arrangements under the direction of Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Mobile, AL.