The family of David Butler of Bainbridge, GA announces his passing, and invites all who knew him to remember him here.
Below, a small portrait of a life that will not soon be forgotten.
David held deeply to the Baptist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
A life of faith is rarely a life of certainty — but always one of trust.
W. David Butler, 76, of Climax, GA, passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2026.The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Climax Baptist Church with Elder John Mizell, Rev. Jimmy Weaver, and Rev. Steve Poppell officiating. Interment will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery with Brad Dodson, Walt Landrum, Tony Dodson, Marty Butler, Jeff Rich, and Logan Rich serving as active pallbearers.The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. Memorial donations may be made to: Cedar Grove Cemetery Fund, PO Box 247, Climax, GA 39834 or Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-030. www.dav.org/donateWillie David Butler was born May 14, 1949, in Quincy, FL, the son of Woodrow & Alice Montford Butler. He was a graduate of Chattahoochee High School, Class of 1967 and earned credits at Chipola Junior College. David proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Enterprise. He was a pipefitter & welder by trade and a school bus drive for Decatur County Schools by choice. David was an active member of Climax Baptist Church.Throughout his career, David earned a reputation as a highly skilled and trusted professional, chosen to contribute to numerous high-profile building projects. Among his most notable accomplishments was his instrumental role in the construction of the Florida State University National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, a testament to his precision, knowledge, and commitment to excellence.Beyond his professional achievements, he was an accomplished artist with a deep appreciation for nature. David worked with a variety of mediums, whether it was charcoal, ink, paint, or woodburning, with landscapes being one of his favorite subjects. He captured the natural world on canvas and shared his love for art with his children and grandchildren encouraging them to tap their own creativeness.David’s connection to the land ran deep. He took great pride in maintaining his property, always striving to keep it in impeccable condition. Whether working in the woods or clearing land with his father’s cherished 1950 Ferguson tractor, he found purpose and peace in the outdoors.A kind and compassionate man with a big heart and an even bigger sense of humor, David centered his life on family. A devoted Daddy and Papa who never missed a game, awards ceremony, or school program no matter how far he had to travel. David didn’t intentionally set the bar high but was certainly the model for loving and encouraging his people to be the best version of themselves.Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Ellie Butler; his children, Nikki Butler Rich (Jeff) and Troy Butler; his grandchildren, Logan & Morgan; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Pamela Sheryl Stewart, and his siblings, Clarence Butler and Laverne Clark.
