Michael R Butcher

Michael "Mike" Butcher, 64, of Naples, Florida gained his angel wings on Thursday, February 18, 2016. Mike was a fighter until he took his very last breath. He was a man who loved his family with all his heart; he was the glue that held us all together. To say that he will be greatly missed is an understatement. Mike was born on September 3, 1951, in Salyersville, Kentucky to Phyllis Patrick and Edmund Butcher. He met his loving wife, Georgette when they were 17 years old. They were married four months later and have been together ever since. Georgette was his angel. He absolutely adored her. She was the most amazing caregiver and she never left his side. Mike was a very involved father and grandfather. He was the type of father that would coach the little league sports and the father that was the high school band chaperone when his children were in high school. He was the go-to dad for all the kids that needed a father figure. He had so much love, support and encouragement to offer. Becoming a grandfather was one of his greatest joys. He wanted his grandchildren to know they were loved and supported. Unless he was ill, he didn't miss a single sporting event, award ceremony, concert or 4H event. His presence and support at these events exemplified his love and dedication to his family. In 1982, Mike became a member of the Masonic Lodge, Cypress Lodge No.292. In 1983, he became a member of the 32 degree of the Scottish Rite. His family was also involved as an Eastern Star, Rainbow Girls and DeMolay. Our family has many great memories of working in the Masonic Lodge's haunted house every year. Mike was an amazing craftsman, having owned his own cabinet company for many years. In the late 80's, he went to work for NCH where he worked for 15 years in the Engineering Department. He later formed his own business, Eagle Home Repair, and thoroughly enjoyed his craft until he became ill and had to retire. Eagle Home Repair was his passion, not only his career. His business was a way for him to help the needy and the elderly in the community. It fulfilled him personally. He loved to help others. Mike would race anything he could get his hands on or his burly body into. His biggest racing accomplishment was his Swamp Buggy, Plum Crazy. He raced for 12 years. The thing he loved most about racing was that it brought his family and close friends together--they were his Pit Crew and biggest cheerleaders. Together, they designed and fabricated Plum Crazy from the wheels up in his own shop in his backyard. He and his Pit Crew had a lot of laughs and memories along the way. One of Mike's proudest moments was when he was invited to bring Plum Crazy to be displayed at Opryland in Tennessee. He was one of three Swamp Buggy owners/drivers invited for the week to Opryland's Salute to Motor Sports. Plum Crazy was in the company of many famous race car drivers and their cars, including John Force, Richard Petty, Kyle Petty, Jeff Gordon and many others. He was beaming ear-to-ear while signing autographs. Late into his racing career, as he became ill, he was approached about donating Plum Crazy to the Race Rock Café in Orlando on International Drive. Plum Crazy was a fixture at the Race Rock Café, hanging from the ceiling at the entrance, from its inception until Race Rock Café closed decades later. If you knew Mike Butcher, you knew that other than his family, his Harley Davidson was his biggest passion. He loved to feel the wind blowing across his bald scalp! He enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of many fundraising bike runs benefitting organizations such as Bikes for Babies and Toys For Tots. He enjoyed entering his Harley into bike shows where he won countless awards and trophies. He is survived by his mother, Phyllis Patrick of Georgetown, Kentucky; his brother Tony Butcher of Atlanta, Georgia; his wife Georgette Butcher of 46 years; three children Christy (Ron) Dichio, Michael (Tabatha) Butcher, and Brandy (Eric) Clere all of Naples. His greatest joy was his four grandchildren Emily and Joey Dichio & Dylan and Ashlyn Butcher. In addition to his father, Edmund, his sister, Sheila McKinney preceded him in death. As we begin to reflect on a long and accomplished life full and happiness, love and many wonderful memories please join us in celebrating Mike Butcher's life on Saturday, February 27, 2016, at Fuller Funeral Home off US 41 in East Naples. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am. Services will begin at 12:00 pm.