Mr. Eddie Lee Butler Sr.

Mr. Eddie Lee Butler, Sr., affectionately known as "Eddie Lee" departed this life on Friday, July 5, 2013 at Tuomey Regional Medical Center in Sumter, South Carolina. He was born June 2, 1930 in Sumter, SC. He was the first born child of Mr. Leland Alphonso Butler, Sr. and Mrs. Maggie Jones Butler. He was united in Holy Matrimony to Miss Sarah Wilson in 1972; to this union, two children were born. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle and friend. "Eddie Lee" as a special and humble person with a ready smile, a kind word, and a teasing joke for everyone around him. He was a faithful member of St. James United Methodist Church where he gave his life to Christ at an early age. He served with the United Methodist Men forf many years, he was a dutiful member of the Gospel Choir, and a willing-dedicated member of the Usher Board and a Steward. Mr. Eddie Lee was a very industrious hard working person who believed in pulling his own weight and supporting his family. He began working at age eleven as a bicycle boy and clerk before joining the military at age eighteen. He served in the United States Army from 1948-1953. He was a member of the 558th medical battalion an attachment of the 82nd Airborn Division and a member of the 64th Transportation Corp. He was a Korean War Veteran who completed tours in California and Japan during his military career. After returning to Sumter, he worked for Hill Plumbing Company as a plumber for a number of years. He retired from Korn Industries in 1996 after working in industrial maintenance for 24 years. He leaves to cherish precious memories his loving and devoted wife, Mrs. Sarah W. Butler; children, Ms. Jacqueline T. Butler of Sumter, S C, Mr. Reginald M. Butler of Columbia, SC and Ms. Cathy Butler of Atlanta, GA; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Elizabeth G. Butler and Mrs. Geraldine W. Butler both of Sumter, SC; one uncle-in-law, Mr. Robert "Bobby" Wilson of Fayetteville, NC; three grandchildren, Christopher, Caitlyn, and Camille of Simpsonville, SC, and a host of nieces; nephews; cousins; other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Mr. Eddie Lee Butler, Jr.; two brothers, Mr. Leland A. Butler, Jr. and Mr. Allen Butler, Sr.; one nephew, Mr. Allen Butler, Jr.; and a step-mother, Grace Hodge Butler. Services will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at St. James United Methodist Church, with interment to follow in the Church Cemetery. Palmer Memorial Chapel, Inc. of Sumter is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Eddie Lee Butler Sr.

June 2, 1930 - July 5, 2013