Merrill Butler Jr.

MERRILL 'BUD' FRANCIS BUTLER JR. SULLIVAN'S ISLAND, S.C. - Bud was born March 1, 1923, in Rockford, Ill., the only child of Merrill Butler Sr., and Vera Butler. He was first married to Barbera Vasey Butler (d. 1980). He later married Nancy Katherine Lundeen Butler. He loved his life in Rockford with his large, fabulous family and wonderful group of loyal, lifelong friends. Bud had five children, Carol, Mark, Holly, Dan and Bill. After Barbie's death, he fell in love again and married Nancy. He embraced her five kids, Susan, Julie, Philip, Sally and Maggie. Bud had more than two dozen grandchildren and great- grandchildren. In 1997, Bud and Nancy moved to South Carolina. Bud served in the U.S. Army in Italy during World War II. He was a graduate of the University of Illinois school of engineering, president of Pearce Butler Construction Co., and of the Illinois Contractors Association, and held leadership roles in the Rotary Club, the Board of Governors of Rockford Country Club, Shiners and other community organizations. Bud was larger than life with his love for his family and friends. He traveled all over the world, had a fierce competitive spirit, boundless generosity, an amazing zest for life, endless compassion, and adored his dogs. He will be greatly missed by the many who loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Sunrise Presbyterian Church, 3222 Middle St., Sullivan's Island, SC 29482.