Jarvis "Butch" E. Umbarger Jr

Jarvis "Butch" E. Umbarger, Jr. died March 26, 2014 after a prolonged illness. He will be sadly missed by all who had the good fortune to know and love him. Butch was a man of character and humility. Never one to seek the spotlight – which can be difficult at 6’6” – he served in ways too numerous to count. He was born in Memphis, TN but spent most of his childhood in Rose Hill, AL. Butch graduated from Straughn High School and went on to earn his B.S. degree from Troy University and then his Masters in Education from University of South Alabama.

As husband, he provided love and support to Diane, while enjoying the opportunity to tease her and act like he was in charge. As father, he provided Debbie and Chad a shining example of accountability and responsibility, always ready to support and coach, but never shirking the duty of discipline. The grandfather would surely spoil Trey and MacKenzie with his love and attention, without ever overindulging. As Marine, he put his patriotism in action, dutifully serving his country in Viet Nam. As a brother, he provided Andy and Jerry a sense of heritage, always remembering the roots from which they sprang and the importance of their good name. And as a teacher at Murphy High School and George County High School, “Mr. Umbarger” shed light into countless lives, providing challenges and counseling, and helping so many young people realize their potential. He was awarded the honor of teacher of the year from both Murphy High School and George County High School. Surely, we will never forget the infectious laugh that was heard so often. His wit and dry sense of humor were sometimes self-deprecating, but often ways to get others to laugh at themselves. He possessed an uncanny ability to listen to others and sum up the situation in precious few words – in a way that lightened the heart and allowed us to be thankful for all we have. An avid outdoorsman, Butch truly enjoyed his opportunities to hunt and fish. His time in the woods or on the water always provided rejuvenation, and usually some great things to eat. And, Lord, could he cook! From a real country breakfast (biscuits from scratch, please), to an unforgettable gumbo, Butch could feed scores of friends and family and no one ever left wanting anything but a nap. Getting invited to eat at the Umbargers meant a real treat – and many promises afterward to never eat that much again! All of us pray for God’s grace to replace the grief we feel with his loss with the realization that he will always be in our minds and hearts as an example of what we can be. Butch is survived by his wife and “best friend”, Diane Willard Umbarger, his daughter Debbie Umbarger Greer (Craig) his son Thomas Chad and grandchildren, Trey and MacKenzie Greer; Brothers, Marion A. “Andy” Umbarger (Sharon) and Jerry Wayne Umbarger (Susie) as well as numerous in-laws and out-laws and his beloved Labs, Gracie and LuLu. He was preceded in death by his father, James Eugene Umbarger, Sr. and mother, Mary Oleta Moore Umbarger.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to Dr. Jeffery George and his staff at the Southern Cancer Center as well as Butch’s caregivers Kenetha Moore, Cynthia Tabb and Amy Fisher. Visitation will be held Friday, March 28, 2014 from 5 P.M. until 8 P.M. at Radney Funeral Home on Dauphin Street. Funeral service will be held 2 P.M. Saturday, March 29th from the sanctuary of Crawford United Methodist Church, 7470 Moffett Road, Mobile, AL. 36618 with Rev. Hoyt Pearson officiating. Interment will follow in Mobile Memorial Gardens with military honors. Pallbearers will be; Dennis Alvin Cole, John David Morrow, Gary G. Rehm, Jr., Jason Barker, Paul Allen Emrich and Michael Smith. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.Arrangements under the direction of Radney Funeral Home, 3155 Dauphin Street, Mobile Alabama 36606.