ROBERT LEE BUTLER

FUNERAL HOME

Lakeland Funeral Home Crematory

2125 Bartow Road

Lakeland, Florida

ROBERT BUTLER Obituary

ROBERT LEE
BUTLER, Sr., 70
Naturalist Artist

LAKELAND - World renowned artist, Robert Lee Butler, Sr., 70, died Wednesday, March 19, 2014, as a result of complications of diabetes.
Mr. Butler was born August 27, 1943 in Baxley, GA. He and his family moved to Okeechobee in 1947 and then to Lakeland in 1979. He was a classic American artist who began his career in the late 1960s as one of "The Highwaymen," a group of very talented African-American artists who sold their work from door to door and on roadsides. He went on to become one of the most renowned naturalist painters in the world. His work is prominently displayed in art museums, government buildings, colleges and private collections throughout America.
Mr. Butler was preceded in death by his beloved sons, David and Michael Butler. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Dorothy Butler; sons, Robert Lee Butler, Jr., Daniel Ray Butler and his wife, Betty, Samuel Butler and Timothy Butler; daughters, Dorene Butler-Bennett and her husband, Maurice, Aletha Ann Butler and Angela Lee Butler; several grandchildren to include, Xavier Butler Underwood, Autumn Nicole Butler, Christopher Butler, Titus Butler and Jerrod Butler; and many other devoted family members and dear friends.
A celebration of Mr. Butler's life will be conducted Saturday, March 29, 2014, at 10 a.m. at Lakeland Funeral Home at 2125 South Bartow Highway in Lakeland. Condolences may be made to the Butler family at www.lakelandfuneralhome.com .

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

Published by The Ledger from Mar. 26 to Mar. 27, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT BUTLER

13 Entries

Barbara DuBose

February 8, 2015

I have just learned of Mr. Butler's death today while in Okeechobee at an art show. I was speaking with the son of a Highwaymen painter and he told me. I was shocked and saddened by this news.I met Mr. Butler when I taught his son Robert, Jr at Kathleen Sr High in Lakeland, Fl. He came and told his life story to my students while he painted a picture. He did this for me 2 years in a row. I was honored to buy one of the paintings from that day. He was such gentle man. I have followed the Highwaymen since then.I teach my AP ART History students about him. I want to keep the legacy alive.
My sympathies to his family.He will be greatly missed.

phyllis davis johnson

May 8, 2014

I met Robert in 1977, Okeechobee, Florida. He came to my home and gave my daughter an art test. She mixed the colors perfectly from the basic. A truly, gentle and loving man. Miss you until we all meet in the new system. love Phyllis Johnson

April 7, 2014

Bobert Butler, God had gained a secial treasure in Heaven. My life will never be the same because of you! You were such and encouragement and inspiration to my life! Thanks for being such wonderful role model! I do hope I see you in Heaven again where we will never be parted!

March 29, 2014

He will truly be missed. He was a great man and admired by many my father (Charles Vines) always spoke highly of Mr. Butler. You have our deepest condolences
The Vines family

ANN Mabry and family

March 29, 2014

my deepest sympathy to the family of a truly great artist and friend he will be greatly missed

Lunelle Siegel

March 29, 2014

My heart goes out to Mrs. Butler, and her children for their loss

March 28, 2014

We are keeping you in our prayers, we enjoyed having Robert visit us and hunt with us in Georgia. I will forever be grateful to him for immortalizing my dog Sammy in a beautiful painting done by him when I tragically lost this beloved chocolate labrador.

Susan and Richard Moore

Curtis Decosey

March 27, 2014

So sorry for your loss, with deepest sympathy,

March 27, 2014

I feel privileged to have known Robert and to have taken painting lessons from him. He will be missed.
Diane Pierson

Allen and Judie Keefer

March 27, 2014

My husband and I are deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Butler's passing and pray the good memories sustain the family during this difficult time. We admired his artistic talent and over the years had the opportunity to meet him and learn more about him and his wonderful talented family members. Rest in peace Mr. Butler.

Ann Hild

March 26, 2014

I had always dreamed of meeting Robert Butler a man whom I admired for his talent. On May 30, 2013 God must of known because I was having my car repaired at Levy's Imperial Tire on South Florida Ave. in Lakeland and Levy introduced me to Robert. Robert and I visited for about an hour while our cars were being worked on and i will always cherish what he said. He told me to never put down my paintbrush and he said this: "The artist is one who perceives the subtle beauty lost amid the glare of the obvious. He was a wonderful person who had a very interesting life and I will always be thankful to have gotten the opportunity to meet him. God bless you all. Robert talked about his family that day and how much he loved his family and his talent will live on in you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sally Strickland-Kruz

March 26, 2014

Robert enriched my life with his paintings as well as knowing him for the last several years. Such a gentle man. He will be greatly missed.

Sharon Potts

March 26, 2014

I was so glad to have finally been able to meet Mr. Butler, his wife Dorothy and his daughter Dorene, they are very lovely people. His paintings will carry on his beautiful spirit. He will be missed and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.

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