James Russell Butts, known to all as “Buddy,” passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, at the age of 90. Born on January 28, 1936, in Amory, Mississippi, Buddy recently celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by those he loved. He left behind a legacy of quiet strength and a kindness that was felt by everyone who knew him.Though not born there, Buddy was raised in Winona, Mississippi, a place that remained close to his heart. It was there—within the community he loved and the halls of Winona High School—that he built the foundation of the man he would become.
In the summer of 1958, while in Jackson, Mississippi, his eyes landed on a girl named LaVoynne Williams, and it was love at first sight for both of them. They were married later that year on October 4, 1958, in Forest, Mississippi.
A proud veteran, Buddy served his country from 1956 to 1958 with honor in the United States Marine Corps. The discipline and “Semper Fi” spirit he carried from his service stayed with him throughout his life and his dedicated career at Taylor Machine Works, which began in 1970 when they moved to Louisville.
In his younger years, Buddy was a force on the football field. A standout athlete at Winona High School, he went on to play for Mississippi State University. While he never sought the spotlight as a “star,” he was widely respected as a great player—the kind of teammate who played with heart, worked harder than anyone else, and represented the Maroon and White with true grit. His love for the Bulldogs never faded, and he could often be found cheering them on at just about every game—Hail State!
For all his physical toughness as a Marine and an athlete, Buddy’s most defining trait was his gentle spirit. He was, without exaggeration, one of the kindest men one could ever know. With quiet strength and a warm, soft-spoken nature, he made everyone feel welcome and at ease. He showed that true strength is not loud, but found in compassion, humility, and the way one treats others.
Buddy also had a deep love for children and spent many years serving as a Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Louisville, where his patience, kindness, and steady presence left a lasting impression on countless young lives. His faith was the cornerstone of who he was—he loved Jesus wholeheartedly and lived that love out daily through the way he treated others.
Buddy is survived by his loving wife, LaVoynne Williams Butts; his three sons, Tim Butts (Shawn), Ken Butts (Sharon), and Jim Butts; his four grandchildren, Laura Petterson (Paul), Will Butts (Katie), Russ Butts (Addie), and Ryan Butts (Megan); and his seven great-grandchildren, Evelyn, Lewis, Gene, Betsy, John, Remi, and Jonah. He was lovingly known as “Grandan” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a special name given to him by his oldest granddaughter, Laura—a name that became a lasting expression of the love shared across generations. He is also survived by his brother, Yates Butts, and a number of nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, C.Y. and Dorothy Coleman Butts, as well as his brother, Bob Butts.
Anyone who knew him will forever cherish the memory of a man who was as steady as he was kind. He loved his family with his whole heart, a devotion that was evident in every part of his life.
A service to honor Buddy’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on March 29, 2026, at Porter Funeral Home in Louisville, Mississippi. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m.
In his memory, the family suggests performing a simple, quiet act of kindness for someone else—a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much of it to the world.
A few of Buddy’s favorite verses:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10
lemon juice
for grandan by Evelyn Petterson, Buddy’s oldest great-grandchild
meatballs and spaghetti for a heart so sweet
lemon juice on everything
the fridge never empty
of a tub of vanilla ice cream
so full of joy
and love to see
the home you’ve built
for you and for me
always a fighter
always believed
fought for your country, for your family
never stopped going
for you and for me
and grandan, we’ll miss you
no other would do
what you’ve done for me
for me and for you
we’ll miss you forever
‘cause the sun always rises
but it has to set, too
we’ll love you forever
we love you, we do
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