WILMINGTON — William N. (Bill) Butler was born in Whiteville, NC on March 12, 1936 to Benjamin Franklin and Lucille Marie Butler. He was predeceased by both parents as well as an infant brother and infant son.
Bill’s father was killed in August 1944 while working at the Wilmington Shipbuilding Company. After his father’s death Bill’s family moved to Wilmington where he lived the remainder of his life. He is a 1954 graduate of New Hanover High School. He attended Mars Hill Junior College, Clemson College, and graduated from East Carolina University in 1959. He was a member of First Baptist Church for over 75 years.
After several years in the accounting field, he and a cousin founded Butler’s Electric Supply of Wilmington, Inc. where he served as President and General Manager for over 30 years. During his retirement he enjoyed golf, woodworking, traveling to Kentucky to farm with his brother-in-law, yardwork, and his daily lunch with his friends at Chris’ Restaurant. Bill enjoyed roasting oysters for family and friends and never met an oyster he didn’t like. He was a Clemson fan always.
He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Laraine, sister Carolyn Kirkman of Greensboro, daughter Mary Elizabeth Butler of Wilmington, son Benjamin (Jhonny) of Durham, stepdaughters Robbin King (Ben) of Wilmington and Heather Baker (Doug) of Charlotte. Bill had five grandchildren, Jennifer Gorum (Grant), Lance Lloyd, Patrick Pendergast, Owen Pendergast, and Benjamin Baker and four great grandchildren, Ayden Lloyd, Amelia Gorum, Miles Gorum, and Stella Gorum.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Cape Fear Salvation Army, the Boys and Girls Homes of NC in Lake Waccamaw, or the charity of your choice.
A service is planned for 2:00 pm on Friday, September 5 at First Baptist Church.
