Michael Butler, affectionately known as "Big Mike" later in life, was born on October 4, 1956, in Oakland, CA, to the proud parents of John and Seeray Butler. Michael had eight siblings, five brothers, and three sisters. Michael was number five. Michael accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of Ebenezer Church Of God In Christ, Oakland, CA, under the leadership of the late Pastor Leland Germany. When his family relocated to Berkeley, CA, they united with the Ephesians Church Of God In Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop E. E. Cleveland, Sr. In 1970, the family relocated to Richmond, CA, and became members of McGlothen Temple Church Of God In Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop Clarence J. Davis. He united with the Mount Calvary Baptist Church, under the pastorate of the late Rev. Claybon Lea. He maintained his unbroken membership under the pastorate of Dr. Claybon Lea, Jr., until his passing. He served as a church musician for many years.
Michael received his general education at Lincoln Elementary School and West Campus Jr. High School in Berkeley, CA. In 1970, when the family moved to Richmond, CA, he attended Kennedy High School and graduated with the class of 1974. He also attended Contra Costa Jr. College. Michael's first job was at McDonald's Hambur
A California native, he was born to John and Seeray Butler on October 4, 1956.
Extended family and dear friends of Michael aka "Big Mike" are invited to share their messages of condolence and memories with him, as well as, light a virtual memory candle on our website, prior to his services which will be held, as follows:
Public Viewing | Thursday, November 10, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Fuller Funerals, 3100 Cutting Blvd, Richmond, CA 94804.
Celebration of Life | Friday, November 11, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Fairfield Campus - 1735 Enterprise Drive, Bldg. 3, Fairfield, CA 94533 | 707-425-1849
Michael will be laid to rest in Rolling Hills Memorial Park, 4100 Hilltop Drive, Richmond, CA 94803.
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Safely Home
I am home in heaven, dear ones; Oh, so happy and so bright.
There is a perfect joy and beauty in this everlasting light.
All the pain and grief is over, every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever, safely home in heaven at last.
Did you wonder I so calmly trod the valley of the shade? Oh, but Jesus’ love illuminated
Every dark and fearful glade.
And He came Himself to meet me in the way so hard to tread;
And with Jesus’ arm to lean on could I have one doubt or dread?
Then you must not grieve so sorely, for I love you dearly still.
Try to look beyond death’s shadows; Pray to trust our Father’s will.
There is work still waiting for you, so you must not idly stand.
Do it now, while life remaineth; you shall rest in Jesus’ land.
When that work is all completed, He will gently call you home;
Oh, the rapture of that meeting; Oh, the joy to see you come!
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