Russell Leonard "R. L." Butler

Russell Leonard “R. L.” Butler, 90, of Biardstown, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at Christus Hospital in Sulphur Springs. Bright-Holland Funeral Home has scheduled services for 10:00 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 26th at the Pavilion of Antioch Cemetery in Biardstown with Rev. Lyn Dennis officiating. The family will receive friends at the pavilion one hour prior to the service. R. L., the son of Leonard Butler and Ida Russie Adams Butler, was born Dec. 1, 1932, near Clardy, TX. He worked for Strain Brothers a number of years building roads and bridges across Texas before returning to Lamar County. He owned and operated R. L. Butler Construction from 1962 – 1998. R. L. enjoyed music, singing, and telling long, detailed stories. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Betty Sue Liles Butler following 42 years of marriage, nine siblings, Sam Butler, Jack Butler, Harold Butler, Maeola Cluck, Ruby Fay Simmons, Ethleen Cross, Ray Butler, Joyce Williams, and Melvin Butler. Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Cockrum Butler, children, Cathey Duke & husband Perry, Kenneth Butler & wife Jeanine, Tammy Butler, and Donna Callicoat & husband Jason, grandchildren, Kaci Butler, Mahalah Callicoat, Jessica Hodges, and Jenny McNeal & husband Cody, three great grandchildren, Paisley, Jace, and Tressie, a step-daughter, Tammy Carberry & husband Mark, step-grandchildren, Jeremy Jackson, Clayton Carberry & wife Lexie, and Cameron Carberry, step-great grandchildren, Paisleigh, Remy, Cason, and Cannon, two siblings, Kathleen Miller & husband Phillip and Dean Butler & wife Peggy along with numerous nieces & nephews and a host of friends.