Joseph "Big Sim " Sim Butler

Jo Sim, Big Sim, or “Papa”, was born to Henry Thomas and Josephine Mary Butler of Montgomery, Alabama on March 25 of 1944. A simple man, Papa grew up the only son of the Butlers and found his feet firmly planted in the rich Alabama soil - growing tall and bearing roots that now span 4 generations.

The first to remember your birthday and the last to forget any grandchild’s sporting event, Papa was a proud husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Sue and Sim married 59 years ago in March and as Sue says “there’s no one that loved me more.” And she means it! Sim was a proud and adoring husband, and Sue was incredibly patient every hunting season.

Father to Ann, “Little Sim” and Sandi, Sim built a life and legacy that prioritized hard work and doing Good. For almost 43 years, Sim Butler led telecom efforts as the Construction Manager for Bellsouth (later known as AT&T) in the Montgomery/Elmore County area. Whether it was his unwavering commitment to routine or dedication to hard work that allowed for such a long career, his family will tell you it doesn’t matter - that’s just what Daddy did - he went to work, he took care of us and, and he went hunting and fishing.

Papa leaves behind a deep respect and love of God’s Creation. Each of his grand children cherish times spent with him either on the waters of Lake Martin or in the swamps hunting pigs and deer. An avid outdoorsman, teacher of fishing knots and drinker of Dr. Pepper, there is no one that stood more quietly or laughed more eagerly at every birthday party, ball game, dance recital, wedding, birth, or Christmas Eve Bingo spent with his family.

Sim Butler is preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters Judy Tice and Brenda McMath. Sim leaves behind sister, Sandra Gray and wife of 59 years, Sue Butler. Sim also leaves behind three grown children, Ann Gwin (Russell), Thomas Sim Butler (Kathy) and Sandi Mann (Bo). Proudly carrying on his legacy, Sim leaves behind 8 grandchildren; Rhett Butler (Heather), Blake Bishop (Kindall), Amanda Gwin, Reed Butler, Josh Wilson (Bailee), Jake Butler, Jackson and Channing Mann and 5 great-grandchildren; Jonah & Annie Butler, Sunny Wilson, and Brody & Kennedy Bishop.

Services for Sim will take place at White Chapel Funeral Home in Montgomery on May 15th, 2024. The Butler family will begin receiving visitors at 1:30pm and services will follow at 2pm with the Reverend Rhett Sim Butler officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Turning Point Foundation at 1881 Co Rd 627, Thorsby, AL 35171.

Thanks, Papa. We enjoyed it.