Roy Butler

It is with great sadness that the family of Roy Butler announces his passing, on April 12,2022, at his home in Quartszite AZ. Roy was born on July 23rd, 1929, in Prim Arkansas, the eldest of 3 boys from William "Bud" Butler and Dora Woods.



Roy's youngest brother, Airlon tells stories of many times when they were young boys getting into fights and being best of friends with the "Waters Boys". Roy was only able to obtain a 4th grade education. He grew up learning to work hard and take care of his family. He always spoke highly of his mother and Aunt Laura and loved them dearly.



Roy married Janette Phayon Nelson in Heber Springs AR on Jan 19, 1948. They traveled to Los Angeles CA after getting married with only $100.00 to their name. They were blessed with 2 biological children: Paula McGarry born Feb. 13th, 1949, and Ronald Butler born, April 25, 1955. Roy and Phayon raised many children over the years (probably close to 30). Once he was asked, How many children did they raise, his answer, "I couldn't tell you, there's so many I love and adopted." He and Phayon were able to open a new world to kids that needed a little help getting started. They taught everyone how to work and work hard but have fun at the same time. He would have given the shirt off his back for anybody. He taught the kids, "If you could do something, do right." He always had a smile on his face and loved to make others happy.



Roy loved music and played for the communities in churches and grange halls; Camden Grange and Peone Prairie Grange Hall, Valley prairie Hall and many many more. He set up a stage at his home in Quartszite AZ so they could enjoy the company of friends and family. He loved nothing more than to gather the community, have a potluck and play music. He played music with many great artists like The Lemon Sisters, Barbara Fairchild and partnered with Lou McCoy for 18 1/2 years. There are so many amazing and wonderful people he was blessed to share the stage with. One of his most favorite loves was music and he made a life around it. He was always talking about going to a "jam" and how much he loved the people that he met and was able to play music with.



Roy worked at Peterbilt, International and Fruehauf in Spokane. He traveled to Minnesota to get certified on straightening semi frames and eventually opened his own fabrication shop in Mead WA. Roy was so proud of his accomplishments and abilities in mechanics, he was able to feel the vibrations in semis that most other mechanics couldn't, and he was able to fix them.



Roy married Carol Wolfram on May 15th, 2016, in Quartszite AZ. During their marriage they enjoyed traveling, visiting with friends and family and the occasion afternoon trip to Lake Havasu to relax on the beach. Once Roy asked Carol to dance and when she said she didn't know how, he said, "That's ok honey just wiggle." Front porch watching and being able to be retired in their home in Quartszite was what they enjoyed the best.



Roy was preceded in death by his father William Butler, his mother Dora Woods, his middle brother David Monroe Butler, his first wife (of 68 years) Phayon Butler, his daughter Paula McGarry and son Ron Butler.



He was survived by his youngest brother Frank "Airlon" Butler, his second wife (of 5 years) Carol Butler, his stepchildren; Mechel (Jim) Fielder, Johanna (Geoff) Crosswhite and Michael (Dusti) Gemmrig. His grandchildren; Frank Butler, Deanna (Chuck) Mahan and Kera Knudsen. Step grandchildren; Amber Fielder, Trina (Jerry) Sturn, Allison (Dean) Hanson, Cassandra (John) Grey, Alex Crosswhite, Amanda (David) Crosswhite, David Gimmrig, Michaella (Randy) Laird, Lainee Shell and Kairi Knutson and 12 great grandchildren.



Funeral service date will be announced for late summer 2022. The family asks that instead of flowers being sent please donate to St. Jude's Children's Hospital in the name of Roy Butler.