C. Ray Butler

C. Ray Butler, 88, passed away peacefully at home Tuesday morning, August 8, 2017.

Born in Mansfield, Louisiana, on October 7, 1928, Ray was the son of Mattie Ethel (Baker) and William C. Butler. Ray met Nancy Wooten, whom he married in 1950 in Abilene, Texas.  He graduated from Texas A& M University in the Class of ‘50, and served honorably in the U. S. Air Force.  His passion in life was his work in the oil and gas industry as an independent oil operator.   

Ray was a longtime member of First Central Presbyterian Church in Abilene.  He was also a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and a longtime driver for Meals on Wheels of Abilene.     

His parents, brother, and daughter, Linda Smith, preceded Ray in death.

Ray is survived by his wife of 66 years, Nancy Wooten Butler of Abilene; two daughters and their spouses, Barbara and David Nance of Fort Worth and Debbie and Bob Garrett of Tyler; a son-in-law, Rodney Smith of San Antonio; seven grandchildren, Tiffany Faykus and husband Preston, Melanie Nance and husband Gabriel, Nancy Ridlen and husband Jeff, Julie Tipps and husband Brandon, Mike Mitchell and wife Emily, Derrick Smith, and Bryan Smith and wife Nicole; and eleven great-grandchildren.         

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, August 13, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, with Dr. Clifford S. Stewart and Dr. Janice Six officiating.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Meals on Wheels Plus, Inc. of Abilene, PO Box 903, Abilene, TX 79604.