Walter B. Butler Sr.

Chief Walter Burnett Butler Sr., who entered into eternal rest on the morning of January 30th, was the husband of the late Ethel Jeannine Moody Butler and a lifelong resident of Jacksonville, Florida. The relatives and friends of Walter are invited to attend the rite of a Christian Burial, celebrated by Pastor Terry Gore and the Reverend Father John H. Dux, Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 10:30 AM at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, 4001 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL, with the prayers of Final Commendation and Farewell at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Boulevard. The Visitation will be held on Friday, February 4, 2011 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL.

Walter, son of the late Harry Winfield Butler and Mabel Burnett Butler, graduated from Andrew Jackson High School where he was a member of the basketball team and later graduated from Jacksonville University. Walter actively supported his community throughout his long life by volunteering as a lifeguard as a young man, by serving on various community boards including the Jacksonville Safety Council, the Greater Jacksonville Fair Advisory Council, and Vision is Priceless , which honored him with a "People of Vision" award for his dedication and service, and by being a quiet philanthropist with a special affinity for single mothers, the homeless and the elderly. A lifelong member of the Franklin Street Baptist Church, he served as a member of the finance committee and supported the church on every level. During his 30 years of service to The Jacksonville Fire Department, Walter held many positions of leadership and responsibility ultimately rising to the rank of Fire Marshal. Walter exhibited his entrepreneurial skill as a contractor and developer.

While he suffered with the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s Disease for over twenty years, Walter never lost his ability to tell an outrageous story or pull off a great joke. He lived his life to the fullest with honor, grace, dignity and respect for all of God‘s creatures saving dozens of stray dogs, cats, turtles and birds who were lost or injured. His love of God, country and the outdoors was only outpaced by his limitless love of family and friends.

Walter was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years Ethel Jeannie "Jean" Moody Butler and his brother Harry Burnett Butler. Surviving Walter are one son, Walter B. Butler Jr. and his wife Rebecca Hill Butler both of Jacksonville, three daughters, Beverly Butler Piccione and her husband Ronald Piccione, both of Ponte Vedra Beach, Barbara Butler Buck and her husband Richard Buck, both of Jacksonville, Blair Butler May and her husband Dr. Gerald May, both of Ponte Vedra Beach, one sister, Elizabeth Butler Ryan of Atlanta, GA, nine grandchildren, Jesse L. Butler, Macy B. May, Emery "Ebb" Butler Buck, Max G. May, Gabriel C. Butler, Nicole T. Piccione, Elliott A. "Gus" Buck, Ronald V. "Ronnie" Piccione II, and J. Dakota Butler, and twenty nieces and nephews.

Walter's quality of life was enhanced by the devoted and tender care provided by his caregivers - Denise Clegg, Leslie Brooks, Gloria Bell and Jerry Cox. These caregivers made it possible for us to love and laugh with Walter for many years thanks to their love and dedication. We would also like to thank the medical and support staff at Baptist South Hospital for their extraordinary care.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 8384 Baymeadows Road, Suite 10, Jacksonville, FL 32256 or Vision is Priceless, 3 Shircliff Way, Suite 546, Jacksonville, FL 32204.