George W. "Bill" Butz, III

AGE: 93 • Wilmington

George W. "Bill" Butz III, age 93, of Wilmington, DE passed away peacefully at Foulk Manor North on Sunday September 25, 2016. He was born in 1923 at Wilmington Memorial Hospital, a native Delawarean, as were his parents George W. and Margaret Butz and two sets of grandparents.

Bill attended grade school at Wilmington Friends School and then Mercersburg Academy where he graduated in 1942. His college studies at Princeton were interrupted by WWII where he proudly served in the Pacific Theater. Bill eventually completed his college studies in 1946. His father founded Butz Lumber Company where Bill went on to become President.

He enjoyed wrestling matches, football and a good debate. It was rare of him to miss any of his children's athletic events. He had a special bond and deep relationship with each of his sons. Bill loved adventures with his boys exploring caves, hiking and camping on the Appalachian Trail, and their trips to Mystic Seaport and Williamsburg. He had a great love for the sea and enjoyed sailing his O-Day Sailboat with his sons. Bill also liked to travel to military museums and battlefields. Bill was very proud of his Scottish heritage and was on the grand staff of the State of Delaware.

He was a member of the University & Whist Club and a 50-year member of Westminster Presbyterian Church where he had served as a Trustee. He was also an Assistant Boy Scout Master of Troop 46. Bill had a number of Masonic affiliations and was the Worshipful Master of Eureka DuPont Masonic Lodge AF/AM.

Bill married Jeanne Stevens in 1953 and celebrated their 63rd anniversary this past June. Together they raised three sons in Fairfax in Wilmington. He was a very loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. Bill treasured life and lived every day to the fullest and always made people feel happy. He also treated everyone with respect and brought great joy to many with his sense of humor. He was truly a friendly and personable soul.

He was predeceased by his parents, two sisters Barbara and Mary, daughter-in-law Michelle, and niece Nancy. Bill leaves behind his loving wife Jeanne; three sons, Charles (Chip), Bill IV and Steve; two daughters-in-law Patricia and Donna ; four grandchildren, Lauren, Mallory, Craig and Sarah; and two great-grandchildren Ella and Clair.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday October 11, 2016 at Westminster Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice, 16 Polly Drummond Center, 2nd Floor, Newark, DE 19711 or Westminster Presbyterian Church 1502 W. 13th Street Wilmington, DE 19806.

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Published by The News Journal from Oct. 5 to Oct. 7, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for George Butz

Sponsored by Chandler Funeral Homes & Crematory - Hockessin.

5 Entries

Mary Anne Powell

October 9, 2016

I have only known Bill for a short time but he has touched my heart. Such a loving and gracious man. I will miss seeing him when I visit my parents. My deepest sympathy goes out to the family.

Kate Lego

October 6, 2016

I first met Bill as a new grad on my first job as a Physical Therapy Assistant. I felt an immediate connection with Bill and I will never forget him. He lit up the therapy gym as soon as he entered the room. I enjoyed every minute I got to spend with him. He was a hard worker and a very sweet man. I will miss him and he frequently comes to mind. Love ya Billy ButzR.I.P buddy

Sandra Sterling

October 6, 2016

Dear Bill,Jay Leaning told me the news of your Father's passing. Jay and I have both tried to get your contact information over the years.I am sorry for your loss but after reading reading your Dad's obituary it's obvious he had a good long life. Please give my regards to your family and let them know my thoughts and prayers are with you all. When and if you would ever like to catch up with an old,dear friend please give me a call at 702-301-7318. Sandra Sterling from Wilmington, DE.

David Cruikshank

October 5, 2016

Let me add to my bother Jay's comments. Lot's of great memories growing up with Chip, Bill, and Steve and especially early youth with the Boy Scouts. Mr. Butz was always there and supportive as an adult leader and father to all the scouts. Mr. Butz was a mertor for us all and a model ambassador of the community. He will be missed by many.

Jay Cruikshank

October 5, 2016

Chip, Bill and Steve. The Cruikshank brothers send their condolences. Your Dad attended my father's memorial in 2007. It was uplifting to see him. I remember him fondly as an Assistant troop leader at our Boy Scout Troop.

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