Robert Lee Butler              January 29, 2023

Robert Lee Butler (Bob) passed away in the Memory Care Bridge at Morningside of Charlottesville from Rapidly Progressing Alzheimer’s Disease on January 29, 2023. Bob was born on January 27, 1929, in Campbell, Virginia to Henry D. and Etty B. Butler and was the youngest of four siblings.
 
Bob attended Cismont Elementary and graduated from McIntire High School. At the age of 19, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army and received training in automotive mechanics at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. He was stationed in Kansas, Colorado, and the Yukon Territory before being sent to Korea. A proud Korean War Veteran, Bob earned several citations including the Purple Heart for his distinguished service.
 
After returning home from Korea, Bob lived in San Diego, California, and then Richmond, Virginia, before returning to Charlottesville. A highly skilled auto mechanic, Bob worked in various automotive repair shops throughout his career. He was also a proficient wood worker and builder as was evidenced when he constructed the Butler family home in the 1970s.
 
Ballroom dancing was a life-long passion of Bob’s and, in fact, it led him to the love of his life, Delma Woodson Butler, as they met in a dance hall in Shadwell, Virginia and wed six months later.

Bob was also an avid gardener and he derived much joy in planting and harvesting a vegetable garden each year. He took great pride and pleasure in sharing his harvest with family, friends and neighbors.
 
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Etty Butler; his older brother, Charles Butler; his two older sisters, Marian Butler Schindler and Annie May Butler Wade; and by his loving wife of 56 years, Delma W. Butler.
 
Bob is survived by his son, Robert Kevin Butler and wife Terry Butler of Mechanicsville, VA; his daughter, Mary Butler Fry and husband Gordon H. Fry of Charlottesville, VA; as well as step-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
 
Bob was a quiet, unassuming, and dignified man and he will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.
 
Visitation will be held from 6-8pm on, Friday February 24 at Preddy Funeral Home in Gordonsville, VA.  A graveside service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church in Keswick, VA on Saturday February 25 at 2pm, officiated by Rev. G. Miles Smith.
 

The family is appreciative of the team from Hospice of the Piedmont and Morningside of Charlottesville for the care and attention he received.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.