HAMLET — Mr. Earl Pate Butler, 81, of Hamlet, passed away Wednesday, April 27, 2022, after a long illness, at Richmond County Hospice Haven.
He was born May 3, 1940, in Scotland County, son of the late Pete Butler and Geneva Morgan Butler.
Earl was employed by Seaboard Airline Railroad in August 1960 as a carman. Having suffered a heart attack on Nov. 13, 1988, he retired on disability from the CSX Railroad as a car inspector on May 13, 1989, with 29 years of service.
He continued his many hobbies that included collecting and refinishing antiques, gardening, cooking, fishing, farming, watching NASCAR races on Sunday, and collecting clocks. He collected over 150 old clocks and ensured they all worked perfectly. He loved to drive his 1966 SS Chevelle, which he restored and entered into various car shows. He loved his month long fall fishing trips at Sunset Beach as well as fishing with his grandsons on Lake Tillery. He enjoyed the kitchen and loved cooking for everyone to gather together.
Earl was talented in carpentry and exceptionally talented in woodworking and refinishing. He loved furniture making and made furniture for his children and grandchildren. There was not any furniture he could repair or reproduce as an antique. He would cut down the specific trees, complete the wood drying, plane the wood, and then make the furniture. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his family.
Earl and Roberta celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary last Sunday, April 24. He would have celebrated his 82nd birthday May 3. Earl and Roberta did everything together and loved each other deeply. He will be remembered for his many talents, but mostly for his kind, compassionate heart and easy-going personality. His shop had become the local early morning coffee hangout. He never said an unkind word to anyone and literally would give “the shirt off his back.” He loved Chihuahuas and his “Coco” will miss sleeping by his side.
Mr. Butler was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Geneva Butler; brother, Harold Butler; and nephew, Jamie Butler.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Roberta Walker Butler of the home; children, Scott Butler (Amy) of Rockingham, Elizabeth Walker Conley of N. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Brett Ray of Laurel Hill; grandchildren, Robert Conley Jr., Renee Conley, Alex Conley, Samuel Pate (his namesake) Gusler, Garrett Butler, and Katie Butler; brother, Leon Butler (Carol) of Laurel Hill; sister-in-law, Cricket Butler of Laurinburg; nephews, Jason Butler (Mary) of Laurinburg, Andy Butler (Flora) of Waxhaw, and Phil Butler (Jackie) of Laurinburg; and finally his beloved fur pet, Coco.
Visitation will be Sunday, May 1, 2022 from 2-3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Hamlet.
The funeral service will begin at 3 p.m., following the visitation, at First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Dan Blair officiating. Burial will follow at Richmond Memorial Park.
At other times, the family will greet friends at the home, 124 Battley Dairy Road, Hamlet.
The family would like to thank Michelle and Myrtle from Richmond County Hospice for their loving compassionate care and neighbors, Lucille and Wallace, for their concern and help during this difficult time.
Memorials may be made to: First United Methodist Church, 300 Charlotte St., Hamlet, NC 28345.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Butler family.
Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
