Thomas Ray Butler

Thomas R. Butler will always be cherished as a devoted family man, a pillar of his community, and a source of wisdom and humor to those around him. His warm smile, easy going personality, and witty remarks brightened family gatherings and professional spaces alike, leaving a legacy of kindness, faith, and service.

Thomas was born on March 2, 1941, in Bolivar, Tennessee, to Mattie Sue Pruitt and Alexander Norment, both of whom preceded him in death. He spent his early years in Memphis with his mother and in Bolivar with his grandparents, Rosie and Willie Butler. Growing up surrounded by aunts and uncles who felt more like siblings, Thomas displayed a mischievous and clever spirit, often orchestrating playful pranks and finding ways to navigate the challenges of sharecropping life. He graduated from Central High School in Alamo, Tennessee, in 1959.

Thomas attended Tennessee State University, where he majored in chemistry and became a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., earning a reputation as a supportive and dependable big brother. Summers were spent in Dayton, Ohio, with his Uncle Ernest and Aunt Ora working as a laborer. On January 9, 1964, Thomas joined the United States Air Force, serving with dedication in Sarasota, New York, and Anchorage, Alaska, as a member of the military police. In May 1967, he was promoted to Airman First Class. On November 12, 1967, he received an honorable discharge, and returned to Dayton, Ohio where he met his future wife, Jean Marie Burley. In 1968, he then returned to Tennessee State and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in science education and chemistry in 1969.

After college, Thomas embarked on a remarkable career in the automotive industry. Starting with General Motors in Dayton, Ohio, as a manufacturing supervisor and analytical chemist, and married the love of his life, Jean Butler, who survives him. The couple moved to Canton, Michigan, as Thomas continued his career with Ford Motor Company and later held roles at Harley-Davidson and TRW. He eventually joined Chrysler Corporation as an engineering manager, contributing to iconic projects like the Viper, Prowler, and Jeep vehicle wiring systems.

In 1995, Thomas became part of Yazaki North America in Troy, Michigan, where he held senior management roles, including a memorable two-year stint in Cologne, Germany, as a research and development prototype manager. During this time, Thomas and Jean embraced European culture, travel, and hosting friends and family. He retired in August 2006, leaving behind an indelible mark on the industry and the lives of those he mentored.

Thomas was deeply committed to developing young talent in the automotive field, mentoring countless Detroit students pursuing engineering degrees at Tennessee State University. His guiding principle was, “Your legacy is not the work you did, but the people you develop and mentor to continue the good work,” a belief he passed on to his daughters.

An active community member, Thomas served as president of the West Bloomfield Optimist Club, Church Council President at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, and a board member of the Southeast Michigan Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He was also involved with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, the Dayton Urban League, and the Tennessee State Alumni Association of Detroit. He was an active member of Catholic Men’s Golf League and the Foursome Golf Group of Detroit, Michigan. He enjoyed watching and participating in a variety of sports.

Thomas treasured his family. His wife of 54 years, Jean, his daughters, grandsons, and extended relatives brought him immense joy. He especially loved family reunions, where his humor and love for connection always showed.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Jean Butler; his daughters, Yolanda Stephens (Oralee Stephens) of Collierville, Tennessee, and Chante Butler of Weehawken, New Jersey; grandsons Braxton Nathaniel Stephens, Emerson Lee Stephens and Duncan Lee Stephens of Collierville; siblings Augusta Gipson (Marcia Gipson) of Piperton, Tennessee; Leonard (Papa) Gipson of Memphis; Gwen Bonner and Lynn Norment of Germantown; Vickie Collins (Robert L. Collins, MD) of Canfield, Ohio; Pamela Washington (Robert Washington) of Ashville, North Carolina; his aunts and uncles Jean Carter (Willie Carter), Rosie Mae Frieson, Anne Hamilton, Johnnie Butler, and Alex Butler, as well as his many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by siblings, aunts, and uncles: Alonzo Gipson, Sharon Telightha Woods, Ray Forest Wilburn, Ernest Butler, Leonard Butler, Otis Butler, Frankie Blakely, Dorothy Radley, and Lavera Floyd.

Thomas R. Butler’s life was a testament to the power of mentorship, community, and love. His legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Thomas Ray Butler Scholarship: https://epay.tnstate.edu:443/C20204_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=734&FROMQRCODE=true

May this scholarship be a lasting reflection of Thomas's legacy -- a legacy built on love, service, and a profound dedication to lifting others as he rose.