Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Charles Butterworth Obituary
Gardner Butterworth
'Charlie'
Charles 'Charlie' Gardner Butterworth, age 20, died February 21, 2012 in Charlotte, NC as a result of a car accident. He graduated from Myers Park High School in 2009 and chose to further his education as a Business student at University of South Carolina. In his time at the University, he served as an active member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and a trusted friend to many. Charlie was an Eagle Scout with Troop 116 and was involved with mission trips and World Vision through St. John's Episcopal Church. He participated in 'The 30 Hour Famine' at St. John's for 7 years raising money & awareness for World Vision. Having personally raised $6700 out of St. John's total $570,000 total, Charlie was selected along with 2 others to travel to Uganda and Kenya to observe firsthand the impact of World Vision's donations. He had a great opportunity to work as a production assistant on the Showtime series, Homeland, during 2011. He was inspired by all of the wonderful people he met on the set.
Charlie loved the great outdoors. He was an accomplished fly fisherman, hiker and boater. He rowed lakes in the Adirondacks in guide boats & rowed a 1200 lb. supply raft through class 9 rapids during a 16 day trip through the Grand Canyon at 17 yrs. of age. He climbed many mountains and caught a lot of fish. He loved to ski the trees in Colorado and took great pride teaching his sister Julia how to ski fast and jump every bump. His infectious smile won the hearts of everyone. His friends say he lived more in 20 than many in 80 years.
He was the son of Shawn Gray Butterworth and James (Jim) Ebert Butterworth, III. He is survived by his sister, Julia Marley Butterworth; grandfathers, James E. Butterworth Jr., Charles Dowd Gray, III and wife Kathy Gray; Aunt Alison Butterworth Lee, husband States; sons, Drew, Harrison, & daughter Madison Phillips; Aunt Joy Butterworth Groya, husband Bob, son, Alex & daughter, Lauren Vesano; Aunt Laura Gray Willingham, husband Barry; Uncle Charles Dowd Gray IV, wife Liz; daughters, Sara & Elise; Uncle John Marley Gray, and sons, Knox & Rich; and his lovely girlfriend, Amanda Hudson. Charlie is preceded in death by his grandmothers, Nona Angel Butterworth and Sara Marley Gray; and cousin Stone Gray.
A service to celebrate the life of Charlie will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church on Friday, February 24th, at 10:00 AM. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Boy Scout Troop 116, 1623 Carmel Rd, Charlotte, NC 28226 or the World Vision Charlie Butterworth memorial fund by calling 888-511-6461 or send checks to World Vision, PO Box 9716, Federal Way, WA 98063. Please reference code: 21507326 when making a donation.
TH Robertson Funeral Service Lic. is serving the family www.throbertson.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Butterworth
perci mchugh
February 6, 2013
charlie was a amazing cousin i love him so much
Collin Parsons
September 17, 2012
My dearest Charlie,
youve been on my mind all week. I saw some kids playing baseball, some boy scouts at the park, how could I not think of you. I miss you. You made the world a more beautiful place just by smiling. I miss your dimples and that hair! Gosh I was always so jealous it looked better than mine. Most importantly I miss every wonderful aspect of you and how anyone could love you. No matter who or where or why everyone just did. I love you and know you are here when I need you even if its not always physically. You always have been.
Always,
Collin
Mallory
July 23, 2012
Charlie was an amazing friend who was always there for me. I can't believe I won't be able to see his infectious smile anymore. I had the pleasure of living in his dorm freshman year and will never forget him.
March 13, 2012
Dear Shawn and Jim, and Charlie was an amazing young man, even more than I knew, thank you for sharing him with so many , love Geary Mandrapilias
February 29, 2012
To The Butterworth Family,
I stopped by and said hello and good-bye to Charlie today at St. John's in the garden and said a nice prayer for him not only from me but for my son Hilton, who really liked Charlie Butterworth a lot and will miss him for the rest of his Life !! The Thomas's liked Charlie and will have many good memories of him in our Life !! We will miss him stopping by the house when Hilton was around. To all of you, " God Bless Charles Gardner " Charlie " Butterworth in Heaven. Charlie Butterworth was a great guy and we all will miss him !!
Steve, Joanie, Hilton, and Stevie Thomas
Jacquie Ashurst
February 27, 2012
To the Butterworth family, my sincere sympathy. I meet Jim a few weeks ago at another very sad occasion, and have been a friend of Joy and Bob from the Harris YMCA, I know this is very hard. You are in my prayers and thoughts. He seemed like a very wonderful young man with a very strong faith, embrace his faith.
J. Scott Evans
February 27, 2012
Shawn and Jim:
There are simply no words. I know. My heart goes out to each of you and your precious family. Hold tight to one another.
J. Scott Evans
Matt Jones
February 27, 2012
Dear Butterworth family,
I had the honor of living next door to charlie during his short stay at USC. Charlie and i became instant friends as we were two extremely gregarious individuals. During the semester i got to spend as Charles' buddy i saw someone who could be popular with any crowd yet make even the most awkward person in the room feel like they were among friends. That kid didnt have an ill word to say about a single soul, yet could manage to critique you in a way that wanted to make you a better person. Before his fraternity phase he would regularly just tag along with me and my girlfriend as we all figured out what adventures lay before us on any given day. Almost after every class i could count on Butters to be in his room ready to play some Halo with a few of our hallmates or battle out as long as we could in COD. If there's one true thing that can be said about your son is he didn't make ripples, he made waves and some situations was the glue that held friendships together. While ill never get to chill with my buddy, accomplice, bro, inspiration, friend, any longer. I know that ill never forget the impact he had on my life and those we were arounds lives. Charlie, i know your watching over us, your a new breed of angel and i can only hope that i was a good enough friend in this life to remain your friend in the next. Rest peacefully and watch over us all. We love you
February 26, 2012
Jimmy,
The loss of a child cannot be explained. Hold tight to your memories as you must have been so proud of Charlie's accomplishments. We will keep you and your family in our prayers and thoughts.
-Gary Johnson -Phi Sigma Kappa
Rick Erwin
February 26, 2012
Shawn, Jim and Family:
I just wanted to send to you my heartfelt condolences regarding the loss of your son and brother, Charlie. As an older Phi Sig at Chapel Hill, I did not get to know you Jim, but please know that when a brother goes through a tremendously difficult time like this, it does not matter if we knew each other as we all share a common bond and want you to know we are thinking about you and your family and you will be in our thoughts and prayers. It is certainly not the normal path of life to have to bury our kids...we expect and hope they will have to take care of us and bury us. I cannot walk in your shoes and cannot even imagine what your and your family are feeling. However, based on Charlie's obituary, he did live as full a life as any 20 year old could and it is clear that you and your family have a strong faith. I ask God to continue to give you all peace, strength and comfort during this most difficult time and know that all the Phi Sigs are thinking of you and you are in our prayers. God Bless you all.
Rick Erwin
Class of 77
February 25, 2012
Dear Shawn and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss of your beloved son, such a tragic way to end a short life. I do hope you can take some comfort in happy memories. My thoughts are with you, in fellowship.
Maryann Gilmore, Women Executives member
Leslie Bondy
February 25, 2012
May God give you strength during this difficult time. You are all in my prayers.
Helen Emish
February 25, 2012
Shawn, my heart aches for you and the loss of Charlie. I know he was a special young man. My prayer is that God will surround you in his love and you will find comfort in his grace in the difficult days ahead. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
kristin Souffrant
February 24, 2012
Praying for peace and comfort over your family! We are so very sorry for your loss!
The Souffrant family.
Brad, Kristin and Tessa
February 24, 2012
To Charlie's GF Jim,
I had enjoyed playing bridge with you & Nona at Christ Church and remember how proud you were of your grandchildren. Rightly so. We hardly can bear to lose our young people like Charlie. Our loss is Heaven's gain. You're in my prayers.
Chris Collins
Sarah France
February 24, 2012
To the Butterworth Family,
I used to live in Charlotte and am very good friends with the Murden Family. I have thought and prayed for your family this week. May God's love give you the strength you need. Please know there is a family in Wisconsin that is praying for you.
Heidi
February 24, 2012
I didn't know Charlie personally, but I went to Carmel and Myers Park with him and he seemed like a nice guy. After reading all the posts, I realized my assumption has been correct.
My deepest condolences are to you and your family. I will also be praying for this time of grief. Matthew 5:4
February 24, 2012
Shawn, Jim and Julia,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Keep your hands in His hand.
Kathy, Lawren and Larry Rideaux
Jeff Smith
February 24, 2012
Jimmy,
My sincerest condolences to you and your family. Cathy and I will have you in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeff Smith
Phi Sigma Kappa
UNC '77
Tonya Banbury
February 24, 2012
Jim, I am so sorry about Charlie's passing. He sounded like a wonderful guy and I hope you'll find peace and comfort in the many memories you have of him. Thinking of you and your family! Tonya Banbury, tree work customer
Randi Friday
February 24, 2012
There are no words to comfort you right now but I hope that you can feel all of our prayers helping you through each day.
Donna Prendergast
February 24, 2012
Shawn and family, all of us at Waxhaw tack are so deeply sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Erin Brantley
February 24, 2012
I am shocked and deeply saddened for the loss of Charlie. He was a wonderful kid who I, and everyone else will remember fondly. My heart aches for your family and I am praying for you. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for any of you.
February 24, 2012
I had the honor of teaching Charlie his senior year. Each day I was blessed by the sunshine in his smile and the beautiful, caring heart he had and this is how I will remember Charlie. I pray that God will give you strength and bring you peace as you walk this difficult journey. Charlie left such as legacy for having been here only a short while.
Janet Raybon, Myers Park High
Kim Rushing
February 24, 2012
To Jim, Shawn and Julia, I am so very sorry for your loss. Words cannot express to you how I feel. May God's grace be with you to help guide you through these days.
February 24, 2012
Shawn, Jim and Julia, My heart aches for you and your loss. I remember when he was "just a baby" and am pleased to read of his many contributions in his short years. I think of you often and very fondly. Love, Tommi Jones
Nikki Harkey
February 24, 2012
I pray for blessings and peace to come to your family at this time of lose, but also in God's time of Gain. God's got the greatest young man ever, right beside him with that wonderful, handsome smile he has, just loving him and adoring him just as Charlie is probably in Awe right now with God. My thoughts are with you and your family always as Charlie Gray is a very dear friend of mine, I will never forget you all.
Charvetta Ford
February 24, 2012
To Shawn & Jim,
Words can not express how how I feel right now. I feel your loss as I have been where you are at this time. You are in my thoughts & prayers for strength during this difficult time.
Peace & Blessings be upon you and your family
Lisa Shaw
February 24, 2012
Most sincere condolances to you Shawn, Jim & Julia with love from Lisa & Lynn Shaw & Clif & Carrol McIntire.
Vermeer Mid Atlantic
February 24, 2012
Your greatest loss is certainly heaven's greatest gain. May God give you strength in this unbearable time as you grieve NOT as those without hope. You have God's promise that you will see your son again.
Chanda Morgan
February 24, 2012
Shawn, Jim and Julia:
I was so heart broken when I heard of the news of your son. My prayers are with you and your beautiful family during this time.
Chanda Morgan (Collins)
February 24, 2012
No words are adequate to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. Your son,brother,cousin,friend was an inspiration to everyone around him. Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe.
Many prayers and lots of Love.
The FitzGerald Family
Linda Hendley
February 24, 2012
Shawn - my heart hurts for you. There are just no words. Bless you and your family. I will be thinking of you and praying.
Vicki Brunnick
February 24, 2012
To the Butterworth family:
I am so sorry for your loss. I was Charlie's counselor at Myers Park. His smile was infectious and spirit kind.
Elizabeth Dickerson
February 24, 2012
Jim, Shawn, and Julia- Words cannot begin to tell you all how sorry I am. I used to babysit for Julia and Charlie when they were still little and remember his infectious smiles. I haven't seen any of you since we both moved away though I had heard that you moved back. I'm thinking of all of you. ~Beth Craven
Julian Love
February 23, 2012
Charlie Butterworth, Troop 116 Eagle Scout, June 2009. From the trails of Cumberland Island to sailing in the BVI, from the cave in Tennessee to the mountain top at Philmont Scout Ranch, what an incredible time we had. The members of the Troop 116 family loved his presence, benefitted from his leadership and caring friendship, and respected and admired his achievements. We will miss him and will always cherish his memories and keep them close to our hearts.
Sharon Steerman MacEachern
February 23, 2012
Shawn, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time in your life. My God give you peace and comfort in the days to come.
Susan Martin
February 23, 2012
Charlie and Julia..two of my all time favorites @ Carmel Middle School ! Please know I am thinking of and praying for your family during this time of sorrow. I will never forget Charlie and all he stood for. Please accept my deepest condolences. Susan J. Martin
February 23, 2012
Shawn,
We remember you strolling baby Charlie by our house and stopping to chat. He was such a happy, pink-faced baby! We are heart broken for you and Jimmie, and we wanted you to know that Charlie's life is remembered in many ways.
May you find peace in the days ahead.
Terri and Robert Ray
Lisa Feidler
February 23, 2012
Shawn, I have no words to express the sorrow and hearbreak I feel for you and your family at this time. It has been a long time since we have worked together but wanted you to have my very deepest condolences and know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
renee and emma pugliese
February 23, 2012
our daughter emma is friends with julia, and we can"t express to you how very sorry we are for your loss. it is unimaginable the hurt and sorrow you are going through. our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. hoping the wonderful memory of such a fine young man will carry you through this difficult time.
February 23, 2012
Shawn and family,
You are in our hearts and prayers.
Laura and Ashley Hall
Pineville, NC
February 23, 2012
Jimmy, Shawn and Julia. Our deepest sympathy go with you. We are praying God's comfort and grace surround all of you and be a source of peace in the days ahead. Al and Cathy Cloud
February 23, 2012
Charlie's Family: My heart is broken, for you, Charlie was such an amazing person..and so sweet. When my son Alex was killed, he shared such kind and warm words. I knew then, he was one very special young man. May GOD watch over you, and carry you, when times are too tough to bear...Warmly, Alex's Mom; Tricia Hodge
Ann Richie Johnson
February 23, 2012
My deepest sympathy for you all
Suzanne Richie Thompson
February 23, 2012
Your family is in our hearts and prayers during this sad and difficult time.
Connie & Tom Thomas
February 23, 2012
Shawn, Jim, and Julia, our deepest sympathy in the loss of your Charlie. You are in our prayers.
Randy, Carmen, and Brian Byers
February 23, 2012
Jim, Shawn,and Julia, Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers in this extremely difficult time. We are so sorry to have heard about Charlie.His smile is vividly in my mind along with his so sweet personality. May God give you all the peace that passes all understanding.If there's anything we can do, please call.
Gentry Morris
February 23, 2012
To Jimmy, Shawn, and Julia, my thoughts and prayers go out to you from Boone. I wish I could make it to Charlie's funeral tomorrow but I will be there in spirit. Charlie will certainly be missed. With love and prayers,
Jen McCall
February 23, 2012
Shawn, Jim and Julia,
No words can tell you how very sorry I am for the loss of Charlie. He was such an amazing young man and I know you are so very proud to call him your son and brother.
I am here for you, please know my heart is with you every minute of every day.
All my love and prayers,
February 23, 2012
Jim and family, very sorry for your loss. Praying for you. Bob Wydra(Charlotte)
Marlo Kankel
February 23, 2012
Shawn and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time.
Bruce Huffstetler
February 23, 2012
Dear Shawn and Family,
Words are inadequate to express the sorrow that I feel in my heart over your loss. May God embrace you and comfort you now and in the days to come. And may He temper the sting of your anguish with the knowledge that through His Son's sacrifice, we will spend eternity with our loved ones. That is the hope that sustains us. May God Bless.
In Him,
Bruce
Chick Herbert
February 23, 2012
Shawn and family,
My heartfelt prayers go out to you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. Charlie sounds like an incredible young man.
Abbi Power
February 23, 2012
Jimmy and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son Charlie. He sounds like he was a remarkable young man and take comfort in the fact he made such a good impression on so many people.
Phil Hall
February 23, 2012
Shawn, I'm so sorry to hear about Charlie. Please know that I'm praying for you and your entire family. If there is anything I can do to be more supportive please connect wtih me.
Love and prayers, Phil
Bo Proctor
February 23, 2012
My prayers are with you and your family. I plan to be with you tomorrow to sing and celebrate Charlie's life on earth and his life now in heaven.
Charles and Tilley Cox
February 23, 2012
We were so sorry to hear the news of Charlie's tragic and untimely death. All of you are in our prayers. May God be a comfort to you. We love you,
Charles and Tilley
Debbie Wilson
February 23, 2012
Jimmy, I am so very sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Suzanne Harley
February 23, 2012
Shawn my heart is breaking for you and Jimmy. I am in San Francisco on business travel and will not make it back to the service. You are all in my prayers. Charlie was a special young man.
Love, Suzanne Harley
Julaine Murphy
February 23, 2012
I'm so sorry to hear of Charlie's death. He must have made you extremely proud. Shawn, please know that your work family is here to support you.
God bless you and your family.
Debbie Curry
February 23, 2012
Julia,
I wanted you to know that I am praying for you and your family.
John Graham
February 23, 2012
Shawn,
My heart goes out to you and your family. Rarely am I at a loss for words but when I put myself in your position, I find silence and contemplation to be appropriate. As my Quaker friends say, you are being held in the light.
John
Mary Coffin
February 23, 2012
Shawn and family,
Since the moment I heard your tragic news you have all been in my thoughts and prayers. There are no words that can comfort your loss and pain at this time, but love is surrounding you and will always be there to help you through. God bless each of you.
Mary Coffin
Nancy Bolten
February 23, 2012
So sorry for your loss. May God comfort you and lift you through this time in your lives.
Suzanne Hartsell
February 23, 2012
I light this candle in honor of you, Shawn, and your precious family, and your child, who I only met once. I also am devastated to hear the tragic loss of your son and I am so proud that you raised this fine man, and I feel honored that I babysat for your parents for you and your sister and brothers. This has hit me hard, my only consolation is that he is now with Sara and the Lord. Heartfelt prayers are with you all, again. I cry for your loss, and I am praying for you and for answers and peace. Love you always.
Susan Watkins
February 23, 2012
Shawn, I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Charlie. I remember you talking so much about him in our First Union days. I can tell he was a remarkable young man. Please know many of your FUHEB friends are lifting you and your family up in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you.
Theresa Cline
February 23, 2012
Shawn I can understand the pain you and your family are feeling. I lost my son 8 months ago. God will carry you through. Just think your son is with God now preparing a place for you to come one day.
Theresa Cline (former FUHEB employee)
Louis Guerra
February 23, 2012
Charlie- How I wish I got to know you better! It was a pleasure seeing you every day on "Homeland," hard at work but always with your infectious smile and wonderful attitude. May God's light shine brightly on you.
Susan "Spurky" Chambers
February 23, 2012
Shawn, Jimmy and Julia, Gray and Butterworth Families,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this most heart breaking time. It is my prayer that God wraps His arms around you and comforts you today and in the difficult days to come.
Jeanne Chase
February 23, 2012
Shawn,
I am so very sorry on the loss of Charlie. I remember our weekly meetings where we'd sometimes share funny stories (non-working related!) and yours usually involved something Charlie, Julia or the dogs had done. We'd have a good chuckle and over time I got to know your family through you.
Again, I am so very sorry (there are just no words).
Jeanne, Steve and Sam
Allison Jones
February 23, 2012
Shawn, Jim and Julia,
Charlie sounds like a remarkable young man. I am so very sorry for your loss...my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Allison (from Joli Cheval)
Luke Whitney
February 23, 2012
Thanks for being a brother at heart Charlie!! You will be missed.
Amy Webb
February 23, 2012
Your smile will sparkle on the waters of the Adirondacks.
Summerly B
February 23, 2012
Charlie lived life to the fullest in his short 20 years. He will never be forgotten by those who loved him near and far. May his view from up there be better than ours down here. Take heart that someday we will all be reunited with him on the right side of our father but till then may we live our lives to the fullest like Charlie Butterworth would want us to do.
Libby Withrow
February 23, 2012
Wishing you peace during this difficult time. Hoping that you are surrounded by strenght and love.
Libby Withrow
South Meck High School
Showing 1 - 78 of 78 results
Make a Donation
in Charles Butterworth's name
Memorial Events
for Charles Butterworth
How to support Charles's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Charles Butterworth's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
