Larry Lee Butler

March 26, 1942 -

January 20, 2012

Larry Lee Butler, musician, songwriter and award-winning music producer, peacefully passed away in his sleep at his Pensacola home on Friday, January 20, 2012. He was 69 years old.

A native of Pensacola, Florida, he was born on March 26, 1942. By the age of six he was singing with the Harry James Orchestra. At nine years old he had his own show on Pensacola's WEAR-TV3. When he was thirteen years old he won a five-state talent contest in classical music by memorizing a thirty-six page piano concerto.

Larry became a sought-after Nashville session musician in his twenties, playing the piano on many of the biggest hit records by Nashville recording artists. He became a member of the 60's hit group, Ronny and the Daytonas, whose hits included Little GTO. He later joined another top rock group, The Gentry's, whose hits included Keep On Dancing. His career eventually turned to producing many of the top recording stars, including Johnny Cash, Sammy Davis Junior, Julie Andrews and Kenny Rogers, who Larry successfully transformed from a rock artist to a Country Music legend.

Earning over 100 gold and platinum record awards, Larry also won a Grammy Award for co-writing the 1975 Song of the Year, (Hey, Won't you Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song. In 1979 he won a Grammy Award for Producer of the Year, the only Nashville producer to ever win the award. For his many accomplishments in the field of music, Larry was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Performing Arts from the University of West Florida.

When Hurricane Ivan devastated the Florida and Alabama Gulf Coast in September 2004, Larry called upon friends like Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson and Will Hedgecock, producing three sold-out concerts that brought more than half a million dollars into the community for rebuilding efforts.

In addition to his music career, Larry was proud to be a Master Mason, York Rite Mason and Shriner.

Larry is survived by his wife of 26 years, Peggy Maultsby Butler; daughter, Schanda Butler Olsson, son-in-law, Nigel, and grandson, Justin; sister, Alva Chop; mother and father-in-law, Roy and Allene Maultsby; brother-in-law, Andy and Anita Maultsby and countless family, friends and adoring fans.

Prior to Larry's passing, BJ Thomas, five-time Grammy-winning recording artist, including Larry's 1975 Grammy-winning Song of the Year, had this to say about Larry: "Larry has been a part of, and has made, some of the greatest music of our generation. And he has remained one of the nicest guys you'd ever want to meet."

Larry touched the lives of many not only with his music, but also with his warm smile and kind heart.

Family and friends are invited to attend Memorial Services to be held on Tuesday, January 24th at 11:11 am at the Perdido Bay Community Center, 13660 Innerarity Point Drive, Pensacola, FL 32507.

Express your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Pensacola News Journal from Jan. 22 to Jan. 24, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Larry Butler

71 Entries

Gregory Majewski

January 17, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Barry Paul Jackson

February 21, 2012

Mr. Larry or LB as some of music row's folks called him will live on as a legendary music icon up and down both sides of 16th and 17th avenue's in nashville .. To me , LB was music row. He was a nice man and had a big ole heart ,,

jacqueline Dailey

February 13, 2012

I watched the Grammy Awards last night and saw Larry's name and I said "Is that our Larry?" and this morning I read a PNJ article of his passing. How very sorry I am to hear this news. I too , remember Larry from the Lynn Tony Show. There used to be a small store on the corner of J and Cervantes Streets and sometimes Larry would stop there. He would be so generous and kind to the little black kids who gathered around him. I was one of those kids and when I heard of his success, I knew his fame would not change the man. Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss.

John, Janet and Dusty Sanderson

January 30, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Butler family!! Larry was such an inspiration to so many people!!

Jane Williams-Freels

January 29, 2012

I knew Larry many years ago,we went to school together,he was a wonderful person. used to go to the Lynn Tony show all the time. what a great loss to all that knew him,he will be sadly missed.

John D. Merritt

January 26, 2012

Dear Peggy, Schanda, family,

Sherry and I are so sorry to hear about Larry. I'll always remember the great times we had played playing golf, that unbelievable July 4 fireworks display where I think Peggy bought out an entire fireworks stand!, Dean's wedding at your house, the fun times hanging out at the 1111 studio...and, of course, Larry's constant big ol' smile and his generosity. We'll miss him very much.

RIP Mr. LB at that 'great gig in the sky.'

Candy Jones

January 26, 2012

I would like to share a story my departed husband Rusty Jones told me about Larry. Larry was in a recording studio in Nashville and there was a keyboard player there. Larry asked the guy if he could maybe play a little more like Floyd Kramer. The man said "sure I can do that." Larry then asked the man his name, and the man smiled and said "my name is Floyd Kramer." I thought this was a cute story so wanted to share with all. To Larry's family, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.

Myrtle Bailey

January 26, 2012

I remember watching Larry Butler and his sister Alva on WEAR TV in Pensacola many, many years ago. I kept up with his accomplishments in music from time to time and always was proud that a fellow Pensacolian was so accomplished. Prayers to his family and friends.

January 25, 2012

Look out clouds - Larry's tryin' out his wings....
Godspeed my old friend -

Eagle Puppy

Tim Horton "Ghostrider"

January 25, 2012

To the LB family, I had the pleasure of meeting LB during Ronnie Mac's last campaign at Seville park. I knew his face and voice...I am still a faithful caller and listner of 1620am. We talked for about an hour, and then shook my hand and said see ya later pal. I missed him when he left 1620. When I got the news the other day, I said "What"? I couldn't believe my ears. When I attended his service Tuesday am, It was a sad time for myself and those around me. BUT... he could always make us laugh. Even though he has made the trip to the heavens, we know the beautiful music of LB will be awaiting us.

Celebrating with Larry at Lucky K's Studio

Lisa Kirkman

January 25, 2012

Peggy, you have been in my thoughts several times over the past few days. I'm so glad I had the privilege of working with Larry at Lucky K's studio. He made our band feel so comfortable and his stories made each session so much fun. I wish the recordings had been done in reverse with us just recording his recollections!

No one will miss Larry more than you, but know that his memory will live on in so many lives that he touched and when we think of him, we also think of you and hope that all is well.

Leo Coughlin

January 25, 2012

I was so happy to see that the New York Times carried the news of Larry's passing, noting his prominence and importance in the music world. We Pensacolians -- especially those of us who knew him as a youth -- are so proud of Larry's accomplishments.

sharon chambliss

January 25, 2012

I grew up with Larry and Alva. All three of us were involved in music growing up and continued with this path through life. Larry had an amazing smile and was always happy to entertain. He came from a very loving family who supported Larry and Alva's talent . He left a void in the music industry that can never be touched by anyone else. Larry is entertaining the angels now. See you on the other side friend. Sharon Godwin Chambliss Gautier Ms.

Don Snowden

January 24, 2012

Peggy and family,

Peggy, I was at the memorial service today and it was classic Larry. Thank you for sharing him with all of us. My wife, Holly Shelton and I had the honor of being his guest in the recording studio in Nashville several years ago and I learned much about the process but most of all, learned about the giving nature of Larry. We are proud to display his gold and platinum records in the Rehearsal Hall at Pensacola State College.

God bless you and your family. He will be sorely missed.

Steve & Glyn Kinnard

January 24, 2012

Larry and I shared many a time fishing, playing cards and just talking. May he now have the eternal peace of Heaven.

Cecile (Lester) Stephens

January 24, 2012

Alva,
Will always cherish the memories of being on the Lynn Toney Show way back when and growing up with you and Larry. Have watched Larry through the years & admired his accomplishments. I also remember our early years at 1st UM Church. May God bless you and the family. His music will play on for his heavenly audience.

Chris Grissom

January 24, 2012

Larry i want to thank you for all that you have done for the local music industry. It was a pleasure and an honor knowing you and working with you over the years. You will be greatly missed.

Tom Arnold

January 24, 2012

It is a very sad day to see someone you have worked with over the years being laid to rest....but in Larry's case we have all of our collective memories AND all of the writings and recordings he made or influenced in his life. Our sympathies to his family and friends.
Tom and Johnnie arnold
Pensacola, fl.

January 24, 2012

Pal, It was truly an honor to speak a word or two at your Memorial Service today.
Peggy, I pray that God will fill the empty place in your heart in his good time.

Grace and Peace
Jack deJarnette

Linda Barrett

January 24, 2012

Was at BJ THomas's concert in Biloxi Ms. last summer. Larry was in audience as a fan ,there to hear BJ sing. BJ introduced Larry to the audience. BJ called Larry a brillant man!
Music has lost a friend. So sorry to hear of Larry's passing.
Richard & LInda Barrett

Dennis Majewski

January 24, 2012

Larry, you sure accomplished a lot in your time on this earth and I am poud to say you were a friend. You will be missed by so many people but you will never be never be forgotten. You are with the Angels now witing tunes for others who have gone before the rest of us. God Speed!

Pat Nickerson Brierley

January 24, 2012

My prayers go out to the family and friends.I knew Larry many years ago and was saddened by his passing. I will always remember him and his music.

Chris Foreman

January 24, 2012

Peggy, I will be forever grateful for the time I had with y'all. I am one of the blessed recipients of you guy's love of life and Larry's unequaled knowledge, talent and experience in the biz. I still find myself in the studio asking, what would LB do? Love to you and Schanda. R.I.P., Pal.

Pat Nickerson Brierley

January 24, 2012

My prayers go out to the family and friends. I knew Larry many years ago and was saddened by the news of his passing. I will alway remember him and his music.

Carl Pedersen

January 24, 2012

I've known Larry from 7th grade till we graduated from EHS in '60. The piano introduction in George Jones' "The Grand Tour" will always remind me of him. I'll always remember Mrs. Manning asking him to perform a song at our 20th reunion. Larry said he was partial to the song because he wrote it. "Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song" RIP You will be missed.

Beege Welborn

January 24, 2012

Larry was always such an absolute DOLL whenever I had a chance to sit on Tootie Green's porch and yak with him. He was the kindest, most amazing, talented soul and I am very blessed to have been able to say I knew him. Biggest hugs, Peggy with much love to you, Schanda Panda and all. Beege

January 23, 2012

Schanda, Nigel and Peggy,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Alice,Dave and Sandra McAfee

Eddie Carnes

January 23, 2012

RIP Larry. My thoughts & prayers go out to your family in this sad time

Phil Calkins

January 23, 2012

Larry was a year ahead of me at Escambia High School yet well known to our junior class. Seems like I remember him MC'ing band shows at all the home football games. Rest in peace, Larry!
Phil Calkins, EHS Class of '61

WALTER WEYBURN

January 23, 2012

LARRY YOU WAS A GOOD FRIEND TO ALL THAT KNEW YOU. AND YOU HELPED SO MANY I KNOW YOU HELPED ME MORE THEN YOU KNOW... YOU WILL BE MISSED A LOT MY FRIEND BUT I KNOW WE WILL MEET AGAIN IN GODS TIME.... RIP MY FRIEND....WALTER WEYBURN

Nan Weaver

January 23, 2012

Peggy,
I am so sorry to hear about Larry's homegoing. May you rest in knowing that we'll see him again on the other side. I'll always appreciate his friendship and knowing I was one of his PALS!

Ernie Magaha

January 23, 2012

Peggy and Family,
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ernie Lee Magaha and Family

Otto Knowles

January 23, 2012

See you on the other side.

Jackie Peters

January 23, 2012

Dear Peggy and Family,
I`m so sorry for your great loss and the loss of such a God given talented, wonderful, man, Larry Butler. He was so blessed with the talent he gave to the world to love and enjoy! His Memory and Music will live on forever! GOD
BLESS YOU.

Love,
Jackie Peters and Family
Widow of Ben Peters

B

Durward Thomas

January 23, 2012

Larry was a joy to work with and a wonderful man. I was blessed to know him. God Bless.

Clint Bryant

January 23, 2012

Alva, My heart and love go out to you in the loss of your brother. I'll have you in my prayers and in my thoughts. May you be at peace.

Cathy Wauford

January 23, 2012

Schanda-you and your family are in our prayers. I'm so sorry for you loss, wish we could be there with you. My your father rest in peace and my his life continue on in Heaven as well as it was here on this earth. God bless you. We love you. Cathy and Donnie Wauford,

January 23, 2012

Larry was a true gentleman and a master of music. He was one of the most encouraging men in the music business. He was a true friend and will be greatly missed. My prayers are with Peggy and the family.

Ron Seacrist\
Lubbock, TX

Marsha Young

January 23, 2012

To my friend Peggie, my heart and prayers are with you during this time. Peggie, Larry was a wonderful,giving and talented man and we will miss him. His memory and life accomplishments will live in our hearts and the worlds forever.

armstrong karen

January 23, 2012

Glad i can say i knew you.. My thoughts and prays are with your family.

Ginger Slanker

January 23, 2012

Peggy and family~ My heartfelt prayers and support to all of you now through this time. I've had the pleasure of knowing Larry many years and he was never without a smile .He is one of the most genuine , talented,selfless & giving friends I have ever been blessed to know. Larry, I will remember you always,as will so many other lives you touched! Miss you<3

mark gillette

January 23, 2012

Rest in Peace, Larry

RAY HERRON

January 23, 2012

SORRY ABOUT YOUR LOSS.I KNEW LARRY NEARLY ALL HIS LIFE AND WENT TO SCHOOL WITH HIM MOST OF IT.HE'LL BE MISSED BY MANY.

Tery and Cathy Majewski

January 22, 2012

Being born in Pensacola both my wife and I grew up watching Larry and Ava on the Len Tony TV show. After Larry moved to Nashville I joined the military. When Larry returned to radio we were frequent listeners to both his two format shows. Over the years we have met Larry at the Fish House, the Farmers Opry, and the radio station. At no time was he to busy to stop and talk to us. He was always kind and interested in what my wife and I conversed. We are only 2 of his many fans/ and friends. May he Rest in Peace. Terry and Cathy

Jimmy & Martha Johnson

January 22, 2012

Peggy, Schanda, Justin, Alva and family members of Larry Butler. We were sorry to hear about his "Home Going" and the world will really miss Larry and his songs he wrote, the work he did in Pensacola and other places. We have known the Butler family for around 40 years. Larry, Alva, his Dad and Mom lived in same neighborhood that we did in Brownsville area.

Larry and Alva appeared on Lynn Toney Show and other shows in Pensacola. We have enjoyed knowing the Butler family. His mom Ruth Butler was a special friend to our family when Jimmy and I got married in 1959, and attended our church. Jimmy lived across the street from the Butler family and known Larry since he was 10 years old. Our deepest sympathy to the whole family. Jimmy and Martha Johnson

Joyce Knowles Witham

January 22, 2012

I remember Larry singing at the Sky Chief Theater in Brownsville. He really
went a long way in a short time.

Geoffrey Hall

January 22, 2012

On behalf of the Pensacola Musician's Memorial administration, I want to extend our sympathies and condolences for your loss. We will read Larry's name aloud at our annual events. Please see my Pensapedia article, titled "Larry Butler". May God Bless You.

Danny & Becki Fleener

January 22, 2012

Larry, You will missed by many. I thank you for teaching me the art of song writing and we wish your family and loved ones our condolences.

Buck Lee

January 22, 2012

Larry was a true gentleman. He will be missed by many.

Justin smegelski

January 22, 2012

Much respect for Bro.Larry Butler,one of Pensacolas legends!

Marsha Hinrich

January 22, 2012

Rest in peace Larry, you are now playing the piano for the angels in heaven...I am a native Pensacolian and remember you from the Lynn Toney show at Wear and kept up with all the wonderful things you contributed to Pensacola with you music and songs.....see you in heaven some day

Linda Roselle Torrence

January 22, 2012

I remember auditioning, with you playing the piano at the age of 14, on the Lynn Tony Show. You encouraged me to never give up singing and I didn't. You were so talented, accomplished so much with your life in the music industry and always wanted to help others. You will be missed by many. May your family find peace and remember that you will now be playing for our Heavenly Father.

karen johnson

January 22, 2012

u will be missed by every one we will never know what music we will miss.

Ron & Sandra Diamond

January 22, 2012

Thank You for being You ! Such an inspiration to many musicians !

Patti Rowe

January 22, 2012

Peggy,
I will always remember you and Larry's first date dinner at Marios (on West End) and our box of snickers. You are in my prayers.
Much love,
Patti Rowe

Terry Burton

January 22, 2012

Thank you for everything you gave to our generation. You have a much bigger choir to perform for now - that of our Heavenly Father! Rest in peace Larry.

Steve & Gracie Colony

January 22, 2012

We have enjoyed your friendship and the GREAT times together. The CD'S will be enjoyed by us in your memory.

Carolyn Thrasher

January 22, 2012

As a young girl I watched you and Alva on the Lynn Toney Show. I knew you were in Nashville, TN, but didn't how successful you had become. I will always cherish the great memories of you from our younger years. At age 65 I thank you for those memories and pray for your family during these sad times.

Robert Macon

January 22, 2012

Larry I wish you and your family the best and God be with you--Robert Macon

January 22, 2012

We will forever miss Larry's warm and loving ways, his towering talent and his gentle humor. It has been a privilege and a joy to know him. Deepest sympathy for the family. Valerie and Ray Russenberger

Keith Martin

January 22, 2012

I remember Larry at age 13 when he would visit my parents home and play the piano and sing with my brother Tim , also 13 ( Tim died later on that year). Both Larry and Tim would appear on the Lynn Toney Show and entertain! May the family take comfort in this time of sorrow and you will all be in my prayers.

GAIL KRAFT

January 22, 2012

PRAYERFUL SYMPATHY TO FAMILIES...ALL OF US KIDS WOULD GO WATCH "LEROY"/RADIO AND TONY THE GUY IN LEOPARD SUITE///GOOD OLE DAYS...LARRY WOULD ALWAYS SING ///UPSTAIRS IN THAT HEAVENLY CHOIR NOW.... FONDLY.GAIL MAINES COOL/KRAFT...

January 22, 2012

Peggy, I'm so sorry for your loss. Larry has been and will remain in some of my best memories. He will be missed.
Sandy Baggott

James Lingo

January 22, 2012

I remember you and Alva from Brownsville Jr High and the early days of WEAR 3.Rest in Peace my friend.

Stan Harris

January 22, 2012

We will miss Larry. His friendly, outgoing manner, warm smile and hearty laugh will be what I remember. He was a great friend to us at Ruth's Chris in Nashville. Peggy, you are in our prayers.

Michele Carnley

January 22, 2012

Larry,

It was such a Pleasure and Honor to have met you and know you. Your music will forever be in our hearts. May You RIP.

Leo Coughlin

January 22, 2012

I am sad to see the passing of Larry whom I recall when he was a kid growing into the prominence that he attained. Going back 60 years, Larry was a stunningly talented kid. My condolences to his family.

Jim Young

January 22, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Tim & Rachel McLarty

January 22, 2012

Thank you for letting us share in your life, my friend. We will miss you greatly. See 'ya down the road, Pal.

Michael Brown

January 22, 2012

Sorry for your lose. Larry was a lifelong friend of my parents Tommy and Ann Brown and was at one time would take time to visit us when I was growing up. Met many of those who he produced in Nashville including Kenny Rogers and Ed Bruce. My prayers will be with you and your family in this time of lose.

Michael Brown

Ray Grubbs

January 22, 2012

I didn't know Larry personally but I feel as though I did. I was on the Lynn Tony Show a couple of times when I was a kid and I was right out front. I also watched at home for years. My condolences to the family and friends. He will be missed by many.

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