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Paul Butler Obituary
A dedicated technology executive and entrepreneur for nearly 30 years, Paul had recently joined Synthesis Health in a lead engineering role. He is survived by his wife, Mary Butler (Schetter); children, Madeleine and Charlie; brother, David Butler (Keswick, VA); sisters, Suzanne Winstead (Knoxville, TN) and Eileen Appleby (Houston, TX); and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Raised in Memphis, TN, Paul was a passionate musician and skilled drummer. He pursued a master's in neuroscience from the University of Memphis while training for triathlons and teaching himself computer programming-skills that led to a successful career as a Silicon Valley software engineer.
Paul's many passions included music, running, scuba diving, wine collecting, fast cars and traveling with his family. A life long learner and tenacious problem solver, he was known for his wry humor and deep friendships. Above all, he was devoted to his wife and beautiful children, who adored him.
His warm smile, sharp wit, love of music, and unwavering commitment to family and friends will be deeply missed.
The family will hold a private Celebration of Life for Paul in June.
Instead of flowers, anyone who would like to support Paul's children can donate to Madie and Charlie's ScholarShare education funds at ugift529.com. Madeleine Butler's code is X3W-S1J and Charlie Butler's code is 252-509 or alternatively donate to the family's GoFund Me campaign https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-support-of-the-butler-family
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Ron Johnston
April 14, 2025
Monsieur Paul was my dearest friend and soul brother with whom I shared the same birthplace in Memphis and the same love for music. We met in French class at university, when our paths parted as I ventured to Paris. A dream come true for both of us, and we grew even closer over time and waters.
Paul lived his life through my European lifestyle and world journeys as a traveling salesman, as I lived mine through his entrepreneurial spirit and technology hipness as a renaissance man. He was the most generous person I know, who always lent a hand even if he no longer had one himself. Paul was my best man at my marriage, and I was his, that forever bonded us to be better men.
I send my deepest and sincerest condolences to Mary, who I´ve loved like a sister I never had, and who has always provided me relationship counsel when in doubt. Also to sweet Madie & Charlie who I cherish, and who will continue to carry his torch, with a flame that will never blow out.
I have been blessed to know Paul and his whole family, and he loved dearly mine: Zaza, Jojo & Cici. I´ve made many a trip to the Bay Area, but this last one was a vivid reminder that life really is short since none of us know its length. His passing has given me renewed courage, hope and strength to embrace every day for the ones I love in his memory...repose en paix mon cher ami.
Ron.
Kim Edmondson
April 5, 2025
My deepest sympathy and love to Paul´s family. I know how deeply he will be missed by
them and his friends. He made everyone smile with his sense of humor and wit. A wonderful husband, father and friend. So sad he is gone.
Mary Butler
April 5, 2025
My handsome Paul:
The grief will lessen but the pain of losing you will never go away. Thank you for the beautiful life we had together and the best gift of all, Madie and Charlie. You were our everything and our love for you will never be extinguished.
Always your Lpp.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
-from poem by Welsh poet Dylan Thomas
Patricia Butler
April 3, 2025
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