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Tom Butters Obituary
DURHAM, NC — On Thursday, March 31, 2016 the very full life of Tom Butters ended at his home in Durham, North Carolina. He was born in Delaware, Ohio on April 8, 1938 to the late Harold and Florence Butters. He was also predeceased by his sister Nancy Butters Wade.
Tom was a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University. He served in the United States Army. He was a professional pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Following his baseball career he returned to his alma mater as Associate Director of Admissions. He came to Duke in 1967 as the Assistant Director of Development. The following year he began a career in the Duke Athletic Department that spanned three decades. During those years he became the head baseball coach, the Director of the Iron Dukes, Associate Athletic Director, Assistant to the Chancellor, the Director of Athletics and Vice President of Duke University.
For six years he served on the NCAA Basketball Committee, chairing the committee for two of those years. He was chairman of the College Football Association's football championship study committee.
He was inducted into the Duke Sports Hall of Fame, the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame and the Ohio Wesleyan Sports Hall of Fame.
It was his good fortune to play some of the finest golf courses in the world. He loved the game, the competition, the friendships, and the wagers. Conversations with friends, colleagues and complete strangers were vital to him. He always had time for people.
He is survived by his wife, Lynn; his daughter, Jill Butters Steidle and son-in-law, Ward Steidle of Malvern, Pennsylvania; his son, Bret Butters and daughter-in-law, Nancy McDonald Butters of Durham, North Carolina; his grandchildren, Britt Steidle Kehoe and Tommy Kehoe, Conor Steidle, Cole Steidle, Thomas "Tee" Butters and Lauren Hadley Butters, Kendall Butters and Haley Butters.
On Sunday, April 10, 2016 a Memorial Reception will be held at 3 p.m. at the Washington Duke Inn, 3001 Cameron Blvd., Durham, North Carolina 27706.
Education was important to Tom. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Duke University, The Tom Butters Endowment, Box 90542, Durham, NC 27708.
His life was a journey……his family is glad to have been on the trip.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Tom Butters
Judith Thomas Lamport
March 29, 2024
Tom and I are cousins and we went to school all years together. Tom loved to dance which we did on lunch break. I still think of him and what fun we shared. I think of him often and still miss him. I am 86 and the last living member of the Thomas family. God bless his family.
Judith Thomas Lamport
March 28, 2023
Tom and I are cousins, grew up together, went to same high school. He was a beautiful dancer and a great friend. He is sadly missed.
Judith Lamport
March 29, 2021
Tom and I are cousins and went all 12 years of school at Bellpoint School which then consolidated into Scioto Valley school. Our families were close as Bellpoint was a small community. Tom was a good dancer and at lunch time would play records and dance in gym. Last time I saw him was at his Mothers funeral. Great memories.
TRAVIS JONES
March 29, 2019
TOM WAS A GREAT FRIEND AND I MISS HIM . HE WAS A HUGE SUCCES AT DUKE
Ronald Ebright
April 9, 2016
Met Tom in high school and played baseball against him in Ostrander, Ohio. Tom was a great person and everyone was drawn to him. I followed him at Duke though his sister and news articles. Duke and the sports community will miss him. Ronald Ebright (Springfield, Tennessee)
Judith Thomas Lamport
April 7, 2016
Tom is my cousin, his Mother and I are first cousins. Tom and I went to school from Bellpoint to Scioto Valley where we both graduated. Very proud of Tom and all his accomplishments. Regret your loss, God Bless the family.
April 6, 2016
Lynn, I just noted Tom's passing in the on-line Gazette. So sorry to hear of your loss.
Regards, Ann Thomas Dille
Thomas Howison
April 6, 2016
We had a wonderful relationship in High School. I'll miss him.
Marilyn Johnson-Masters
April 5, 2016
Our sympathy and prayers are with you, Lynn and family. He will be missed by a lot of people. Dan and Marilyn Masters
April 5, 2016
Tom Butters stood for everything good in intercollegiate athletics. That is because he was a man of character and integrity. He was a great Athletic Director and an even better man. I will miss my friend.
Steve Sloan
Donald Hutchinson
April 5, 2016
None better very few as good as Mr.Butters. God bless.
Jim Haslam
April 4, 2016
Natalie and I will miss Tom....a fine man who touched many people in his lifetime.......Jim Haslam
Barry Wilson
April 4, 2016
Aside from all the obvious and wonderful traits of strong leadership, vision and utmost competency, on a personal basis I will miss a man who was boss, my mentor, and a dear friend. Like many thousands, I will miss Tom Butters a great deal. My thoughts and prayers go out to Lynn, Jill, Bret and all of the family. I hope to see you at the memorial service.
Barry
Linda Liccardi Barbour
April 4, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I hope you find comfort in all of your fond memories.
larry galluzzo
April 4, 2016
what a great man
April 4, 2016
Lynn Mr. BUTTERS was a great friend to me.
Larry King
April 4, 2016
We have loss a great man.Tom was a good friend for over 35 years. Lynn and family will be in our prayers. Travis Jones
Mark Mcdonald
April 4, 2016
Lynn;
Tom was an indispensable part of my growing up years, when I needed growing up the most. He was a philosopher who's insights and broad wisdom were so amazing to behold. I do not know that I've met another person who, as busy as he always was, still took the time to listen. He was a giant to me.
Herb USMC
April 4, 2016
RIP
Herb USMC
April 4, 2016
Herb USMC
April 4, 2016
Army Memorial
Herb USMC
April 4, 2016
Herb USMC
April 4, 2016
Herb Guyer-Sharfenaker USMC
April 4, 2016
God Bless and Thank YOU,Tom for your service in The U.S.Army.Also at Duke for 30 years as a coach and service to the Athletic Dept.with the NCAA,was inducted in The Duke,North Carolina,and Ohio Wesleyan Sports Hall of Fame...RIP ............ And Semper Fi.
Kathy. Berlin Wegmann
April 4, 2016
Love all of the Butters family. He will be missed. My love and prayers to Lynn, Jill, and Brett.
Zara McDonald
April 3, 2016
He will be missed. Deepest condolences to you Lynn, and the entire Butters family
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