LaVerne Polk "Skip" Butts

LaVerne Polk "Skip" Butts was born November 27, 1948 to LaVerne Polk Jr. and Jeanne B. Butts in Oneonta, NY and passed away on November 20, 2024. Skip was the beloved father to his three children, Allison, Ryan, and Travis, and devoted husband to his wife of 54 years, Brooke Butts.

Skip worked for his father's construction business, L.P. Butts Inc., as a young boy before heading off for preparatory school. During his childhood, Skip enjoyed sports and any type of competition. He participated in his Preparatory school's (Trinity-Pauling) basketball, soccer, track, football, lacrosse and baseball teams. As the captain of the basketball team, he was an undersized center at 6'1", however he helped lead the team to the Tri-State championship. His sister, Toni Christensen, got him involved in showing horses. He enjoyed the sibling rivalry in showing horses, which led to his horse, Forever Couth placing 2nd at Nationals.

He left New York for college enrolling at Furman. Skip lettered in soccer and basketball at Furman. During his sophomore year he met his wife, Brooke Butts, who he married on August 1, 1970, by winning her over with a good sense of humor and a love of having fun. Early in their marriage they enjoyed spending time with friends. After a few years, they moved back to Oneonta, NY where Skip returned to working at his dad's construction business. In Oneonta, the couple started a family with the birth of their daughter, Allison, and subsequently their son, Ryan. Skip was elated to become a father. After the birth of his daughter, he celebrated by driving around the neighborhood announcing, "It's a girl."

Skip left his dad's business to work for Benjamin Moore Paint Company, working there for 27 years and moving his family to Burlington, VT. Skip enjoyed working with Benjamin Moore. He had a close relationship with the Belcher family, owners of Ben Moore. He particularly appreciated Ben Moore Paints' partnership with Shriner's hospitals and Ronald McDonald House as it brought happiness to children in the hospital.

In Burlington, his third child, Travis, was born. As a father, Skip was very involved in his children's lives. He was present at almost every sporting and school event, often volunteering and coaching. It was something that he loved continuing with his grandchildren.

After retirement, Skip returned to his enjoyment of competition, by playing U.S.T.A. tennis. Beyond the competition, he enjoyed returning to the comradery of being on a team. He also loved greeting and ushering at Riverland Hills Baptist Church, getting to talk with attendees and watching the children grow up over the 6 years of volunteering.

After battling Myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia, he is survived by his wife, Brooke Butts; his three children, Ryan Butts, Travis Butts, and Allison Nelson; daughters-in-law, Blythe Butts and Jennifer Butts; son-in-law, Paul Nelson; seven grandchildren, Caroline Nelson, Carson Butts, Paul Joseph Nelson, Davis Butts, Katy Nelson, Kinsley Butts and Reagan Butts. He will be remembered by his family for his constant love, sense of humor and making family his first priority.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, December 6, 2024 at Riverland Hills Baptist Church, 201 Lake Murray Blvd, Irmo, SC 29063. The family will receive friends from 10:30 am to 11:45 am prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, Skip requested you send donations to Shriners Children’s Hospital in his name: https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/fundraiser/5944144