John G. Butler

John Gary Butler wore dog tags around his neck with a quote from John “the Penguin” Bingham reading: "The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.” He lived his life, and ran his last race against cancer, with courage and strength, even after he lost his beloved wife Judy Morris Butler to the same disease two months ago. Gary ran almost every day until he was diagnosed with cancer. He completed marathons throughout the United States and abroad. His greatest pride as a runner, however, was the honor of being one of the few racers to complete each Peachtree Road Race since the founding of the event. He was not necessarily the fastest runner, but he had the fortitude to run through pain, bad weather, and personal strife. He lived the rest of his life the same way. Gary was born to Floy Elise and John Efe Butler in 1945. He met Judy at Cross Keys High School, and the two were married in 1965. They worked as partners to put him through Georgia Tech and to create a loving and joyful life for themselves and their daughters. For roughly thirty years, he built a successful career at Bellsouth. He began work in the computer room at a time when a phone company could meet all of its computing needs in one room, and he ended his career as Assistant Comptroller. After retirement, Gary and Judy travelled the world. He volunteered at his church, played golf – even talked to the nurses about his handicap after he became ill—and worked in the community garden. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He loved to watch them play sports, travelling to see them play even after he became ill. He died at peace, with his daughters by his side, and will be remembered by his family and many friends as a man of kindness, quiet strength, and love. Gary is survived by his mother, sister Linda Medrow, brother Wayne Butler, daughter and son-in-law Kimberly Keever and Steven Keever, daughter and son-in-law Elizabeth Butler-Witter and Bret Witter, and grandchildren Benjamin Keever, Annabel Keever, Rachel Keever, Lydia Witter, and Isaac Witter. Services and reception to be held at Dunwoody United Methodist Church on Tuesday, April 26th at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Dunwoody United Methodist Church.