Rev. Bobby Joe Butler, 76, passed away on Monday, October 15, 2012, at his residence in Louisville, Mississippi, surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be Tuesday, October 16, 2012, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Zion Chapel Pentecostal Church in Louisville, Mississippi. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, at Zion Chapel Pentecostal Church with Rev. Rick Humphries, Rev. Scott Eaves, Rev. Dewayne Kelsey, and Rev. Gerald Butler officiating. Conducting graveside services will be Rev. Andrew Higginbotham and Rev. Fred Frasier, Jr. Interment will be in Ellison Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery.
Bro. Bobby Joe was born on October 30, 1935. He served as pastor of Zion Chapel Pentecostal Church for 34 years. He worked at Barge Timber Company in Macon, Mississippi, for 23 years. He also served this community for 44 years through his ministry on WLSM Radio Station. He was a member of Associated Brotherhood of Christians Ministerial Association and a lifetime member of the Beaver Mountain Hunting Club.
Bro. Bobby Joe is survived by his wife, Carolyn Butler of Louisville; one brother, Gerald Butler and wife, Brenda, of Shuqualak, Mississippi; 16 nieces and nephews; 31 great-nieces and nephews; and 11 great-great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett and Irene Higginbotham Butler; and five siblings, Elbert Butler; James Henry Butler; Mildred Butler Moody (Edmond); Rhodam Butler (Jean) and Dot Butler Hailey.
Pallbearers will be Wayne Moody, Woody Moody, Jerry Flowers, Doug Butler, Charles Hailey, Jr., Eric Breazeale, Danny Keene, Scott Barnhill, and Steven Breazeale. Memorials may be given to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Tribute Program, P. O. Box 1000 Department 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142. Arrangements are under the direction of Nowell-Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
