Joe Edward Butts

Joe Edward Butts, 79, of Sylacauga, Alabama, passed away on May 15, 2026.  He was born to the late George and Vera Butts in Sylacauga, Alabama on September 1, 1946.   He grew up in Navarre, Florida spending his childhood days on the beach playing on the sand dunes and watching the Blue Angels practice overhead.  He spent some time in junior college and then decided to join the U.S. Navy.  In his early career, he spent time working in the computer industry and later becoming an entrepreneur owning his own business.  After moving back to Alabama in 1993, he worked as a short haul truck driver until his retirement in 2008.   

Joe was raised in a Christian home by loving parents who taught him about the Lord.  He accepted Christ as his Lord and Saviour at an early age.  He had a gift for teaching and a passion to lead others to Christ.  He served as a Sunday school teacher for many years and also led several Bible studies in his home.  Even in his final weeks here on Earth, Joe was still spreading God’s Word to others.

Joe was blessed with a large and loving family.  One day he prayed and asked the Lord to send him a wife because he was ready to settle down.  The Lord answered his prayers because around 6 months later, he married Kathleen (Kit) Grace Orr on January 2, 1976.  They just celebrated their 50th anniversary this year.  Joe was a loving father to his son the late Mark Christian Reilly and to his daughter Robin Rene’ Bullard.  He was blessed with seven grandchildren.

Joe’s final prayer spoken out loud to his wife and daughter: “Lord help us to read your Word, study your Word, and commit your Word to our hearts. Amen.”

Joe is preceded in death by his mother, Vera Butts; his father George “Wash” Butts; and his son Mark Christian Reilly (wife Elizabeth).  He is survived by his devoted wife, Kathleen “Kit” Grace Butts; his daughter Robin Rene’ Bullard (husband Shannon); and his 7 grandchildren – Matthew Joseph Reilly, Abbigail Faith Reilly, Benjamin Cole Reilly, Caden Nathaniel Bullard, Caylee Morgan Bullard, Caylen Rylee Bullard, and Cadie Ryan Bullard; his sister Jean Aumen (husband Bill); his brother Mike Butts (wife Loretta); and 11 nephews and nieces.

There will be a memorial service at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, AL at a later time to be announced. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace to You which is the media ministry of Dr. John MacArthur – PO Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or at www.gty.org.  MacArthur was his favorite pastor and commentator.

Final care and arrangements entrusted to the Ellison Memorial Funeral Home of Clanton, AL.