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Butch Withers
1944 - 2012
Butch Withers
1944 - 2012
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1944
DIED
2012
Butch Withers Obituary
Butch was born in Memphis, TN, and lived in Lake Cormorant, MS. He was a graduate of Tunica High School , and received his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from MSU in Animal Science and Ruminant Nutrition. He was Supt. of the Pontotoc Ridge Flatwoods Branch Experiment Station in Pontotoc, and then Head of the Animal Research Centers at MSU, both with MAFES. He then served as Head at the Research and Extension Center in Raymond, with Extension. He retired in 2006 after 35 years of service. Butch was a charter member and Ruling Elder of Grace Presbyterian Church in Starkville, MS and was a current member of Providence Presbyterian Church in Clinton., He was involved with several professional as well as civic organizations. While in Starkville, he was faculty advisor for RUF (Reformed University Fellowship) and Kappa Sigma Fraternity.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Margaret Withers, and an infant son.
Butch leaves his wife of 44 years, Carolyn, his daughters Shelly Withers of Clinton, Elizabeth Kilgore and her husband Jon of Hebron, his brothers David Withers and his wife Felica of Lafayette, La, and Sterling Withers and his wife Lilibeth of Tunica, MS, and his sisters Camilla Withers of Memphis, and Mary Lou Pendergraft and her husband Jerry, of Collierville, TN. He also leaves the best part of his heart, his grandchildren; Jay Slater of Prentiss, MS, Anna Margaret and Hayden Kilgore of Hebron, and Mckinnon Garrard of Clinton. Pallbearers will be Jon Kilgore, Hayden Kilgore, Jay Slater, Jimbo Garrard, Jerry Pendergraft, Norman Green, David Withers and Sterling Withers. Honorary pallbearers will be the men of Kappa Sigma Fraternity of MSU.
Memorials may be made to Center for Pregnancy Choices, (CPC) South Central, MS c/o Elizabeth Kilgore, P.O. Box 4044, Laurel, MS 39441.
Online guestbook www.wrightferguson.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Caroline McKinnon Garrard
October 28, 2012
He was the greatest grandpa to me and my cousins. I loved him so much, and i will miss him so much. My grandpa really was a great man, ( a great man in Christ). Any time that i was sad he would always cumfort me.... He will be missed but he is now in a better place ( Heaven)!!!!!
Kate Roberts
October 26, 2012
Carolyn,
I just today learned of Butch's death. William and I send our heartfelt condolences to you and your precious family.
God's peace,
Kate and William Roberts
Mary Catherine Gaydon
October 21, 2012
I remember him as a devoted family man; kind and considerate. Mrs. Withers was my absolute favourite teacher at Clark Street School. Many, many fond memories there. Condolences and heart-felt sympathy to his loving family. Mary Catherine (Cruse) Gaydon, Martinsburg, WV
Ben Ardahl
October 20, 2012
Butch was the man of whom I recall it was said, "If you want something done, give it to a busy person." That was Butch...responsible, caring, & able to get things done. The Lord blessed many, many people through Butch Withers. What a legacy he left us!
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October 20, 2012
Butch was the man of whom I remember it was said, "If you want something done, give it to a busy person". That was Butch...responsible & caring, & able to get things accomplished. The Lord blessed many people through Butch Withers.
Richard and Brenda Harman
October 19, 2012
Dear Caroline, Shelly and Elizabeth, We were we shocked to hear for Butch's home going. We have so many fond memories of our times together in Starkville. He had a big impact on so many peoples lives. We count it a privilege to have been friends. We are looking forward to seeing him again someday in Heaven.
You are all in our prayers.
Bishop Prince
October 18, 2012
How blessed I was to have had Butch as my friend. He would beat me at golf and then tell me how well I played and I was encouraged because he was so convincing.He was a true friend and I will miss him more than words can express. May God be with you in this time of sorrow.
Nancy Cox
October 18, 2012
I am sorry to learn of Butch's sudden passing. I worked with him many years at MAFES and always found him to have the highest honor, the highest dedication, and the most kindness. He was a remarkable man.
Mack Fondren
October 18, 2012
Miss Carolyn, Elizabeth, and Shelly; my heart and prayers go out to you and the other family members. I have so many fond memories of the years Butch and I worked together and played lunchtime basketball. Butch always had a wonderful attitude, a poke in my ribs or a knee to the back of my leg when he saw me. Great boss, but an even greater friend. His passing will be mourned by all who knew him; he will be greatly missed.
Angie Walters
October 17, 2012
Carolyn, girls and Withers family, I'm so sorry to hear about Butch. I'm praying that God will give you peace through this difficult time. Butch was such a sweet man. Praying for you all.
Jill Jackson Couvillion
October 17, 2012
Just wanted to let you all know that I am thinking and praying for you all during this time. I have many great memories of being at the "Withers" home when I lived in Starkville. It was always fun and very welcoming there....I know he will be missed. I love you Mrs.Carolyn,Shelly, and Liz :) Sending you a hug from an old friend,
October 17, 2012
dearest Carolyn, We were so sorry to learn of the loss of Butch. WE REMEMBER HIM affectionately from the many years at Grace. Our prayers are with you and your family at this time. Love, Cassie and Randy Hiltpold
Jimmy Cook
October 16, 2012
I was sorry to hear of Butch's death. We had some fun days at School Day on the Farm at MSU South Farm. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Jimmy Cook
Jeannie Lacy
October 16, 2012
Dear Carolyn, Shelly and Elizabeth,
My heart is sad to hear of Butch's death. We love your family and will pray for you all to know the peace and comfort of our God who loves you all so much. He will carry you through. We rejoice with you that Butch is before the very throne of God and that while he will be missed terribly for now, we will one day rejoice together for eternity! Some of our fondest memories of Starkville include the Withers family. With love and prayers, Tim and Jeannie Lacy
Andy Stott
October 16, 2012
Carolyn, Shelly, and Elizabeth,
I am so sorry to hear about the Butch's passing. Just seems like yesterday that we were all meeting together at Grace Presbyterian Church at the shopping center in Starkville. Praying for all of you.
Andy Stott
October 16, 2012
Shelly, I am so shock to read of Butch's death. You were one of my favorite 6th grade students in Starkvillel. My husband, Dr. Joe Cardwell was very fond of your father. God bless you and the other members of your family.
Leota Cardwell
Carolyn Rodgers
October 16, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you..
Sandy Ealy
October 16, 2012
My prayers go out to the Withers family. May God bless and comfort you.
Sandy Ealy (Tunica, MS)
Clara Peterson
October 16, 2012
My dear precious Carolyn, my heart goes out to you, the girls and especially your precious grandchilden. The Christian example alone leaves a tremendous void, not to mention Butchs sweet loving spirit and his infectious smile. God bless you all with Christ everlasting Love. Clara
October 16, 2012
We are so sorry to learn of the death of Butch, he was a good friend and a fine man. You will be in our prayers and thoughts.
Bob and Bernice Rogers & family
Starkville, MS
October 16, 2012
Although we only knew Mr. Butch a short period of time, He was such a joy and blessing to each of us. We enjoyed every minute at the ballpark watching the girls play. Our prayer is that you continue to look to God for the strength and comfort that only HE can provide. May you find peace in knowing that Mr. Butch is with his heavenly Father and free from illness and pain. Much love to all of your family. It has been a great joy having each of you in our lives. Sending thoughts and prayers for the upcoming days and months. God Bless You All.
Sam, Carrie and Emily McDonald (Laurel, MS)
Evelyn Sebren
October 16, 2012
Butch was like a father to Jason my son and such a wonderful friend ... His daughter, Elizabeth is like a daugher to me. Butch will be miss so much... Carolyn is such a good friend to me and I know you will miss him so much... He was a fine Christian man... He loved his Grandchildren so much and they were his heart...
Rhonda Mcclelland Warren
October 16, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. May The Lord comfort you and give you peace.
Kevin and Amy Burchfield
October 16, 2012
We pray that the Lord will give the comfort that only comes from his love and grace during this extremely difficult time. Love and peace to all of Mr. Withers family.
October 16, 2012
So sorry for your loss, lifting the family up in prayer for the comfort only the Lord can provide. Cherish the memories and rejoice that he is with the Savior.
Mr & Mrs Horace Hankins
Lynn Freiman
October 16, 2012
I first met Butch in the third grade at Lake Cormorant Elementary School. From elementary school we went to Tunica High School (Football) and then to Mississippi State and Kappa Sigma fraternity. I knew him as a friend and as a good man. He accomplished a lot in his life an I am proud of him for these things. May God richly bless his family during this time of sorrow. Lennie (Lynn) S. Freiman. Fischer, TX.
Lanny Kennedy
October 16, 2012
Bill and I are thinking about you and will be praying for God's peace, strength, and comfort to be yours today and in the days to come.
October 16, 2012
Butch was a wonderful friend and a brother in Christ. I will sorely miss him until we meet again.
Roger Jones (Raymond, Ms.)
Rita Chriswell
October 16, 2012
My first thought of Mr. Withers is his "smile". Such a sweet, sweet & truly humble man. May God's hand lay on his family.
October 16, 2012
Carolyn and Family, It is with a sad heart that the members of the RCAS, Research Center Administrator's Society, learn of Butch's passing. We have great memories of the two of you attending our national meetings and tours. Butch was a past President and received our Distinguished Service Award. I especially remember your visit to the Mid-west tour a few summers ago. Please accept our warmest condolences and love. Jim Beaty and the officers and members of RCAS.
October 16, 2012
May you find comfort from the God of All Comfort
Loyd & Denise Ashley
October 15, 2012
Butch will be sorely missed by all who knew him. I never saw him without a smile for everyone he met. Our hearts go out to the family during this time of loss. May God wrap Caroline, Shelly, and Elizabeth as well as their children in his loving arms now and in the days to come. May each of you know how much love surrounds you by friends and family. Loyd will miss his golf buddy as well as best friend. God is so good to bring good friends together to share their loves of nature and sport as was the case with Loyd and Butch. God has gained a wonderful Christian who was never afraid to show his faith.
Ellen Shaw
October 15, 2012
Mr. Withers was not only a wonderful Christian man, but was truly the best boss I have ever had. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. My heart breaks for Caroline, Shelly, and Elizabeth, but rejoices for Heaven's new treasure. I pray that God will wrap his arms around you all and hug you close in the coming days.
Lamar Adams
October 15, 2012
May the Lord bless each of you as you mourn your loss and cherish precious memories while reflecting and celebrating the wonderful life Butch lived and the inspiration he was to everyone he encountered personally and professionally. Our loss of an outstanding man is Heaven's gain.
Mouse Poore
October 15, 2012
I always remember Butch with fond memories. He was the "big brother" to us younger, smaller guys; always willing to keep the bullies at bay. My heart and prayers go out to Carolyn, the girls, David, Sterling, Camilla and Mary Lou.
The Staff of Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home
October 15, 2012
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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