Minister Ernest Butler

Ernest David Butler, 105, was born February 28, 1911, to Walter Pettigru and Effie Elizabeth Butler. He departed this life on August 9, 2016, at Richard B. Campbell Veterans Nursing Home in Anderson, South Carolina.

A loving, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother and son. Ernest worked the majority of his life in the dry cleaning business. He also loved selling his fresh fruits and vegetables to the community.

He was a faithful member and Minister of the William Street Church of Christ in Seneca, South Carolina until his health failed. He then attended the I-85 Church of Christ in Greenville. before moving to the VA Nursing Home in Anderson. During his first year in Anderson he worshipped with the Graceview Church of Christ.

Ernest was united in Holy Matrimony to Hazel Abraham on December 23, 1937. There were six children born in this union: two daughters, Ernestine “Tina” Paschal and Effie “Liz” Scott, both of Greenville; four sons, David Butler of Brooklyn, N.Y., Harold Butler, the late Leroy Butler and Jerry Butler, both of Greenville S.C.

Ernest leaves cherished memories to his loving sister, Leontine (Ray) Ivery, 28 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren, and 23 great-great-grandchildren; daughters-in-law, Shirley Butler and Elaine Butler and a host of other relatives and friends.

Ernest was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Butler; his son, Leroy Butler; parents, Pettigrue and Effie Butler; brothers, Grady, Henry, Manning, Haskell, Murray and Levere; sisters, Vivian, Edith, Jenelle, Wilamena (Billy), Ruth and Ethel and daughter-in-law, Clara Butler.