Douglas Earl Jeffries

Douglas "Butch" Earl Jeffries, of Guntersville, passed away on April 5 at the age of 61. He was born on January 13, 1964, and from the very beginning, he brought joy and laughter to everyone around him. Butch's goal was always to make sure those around him were smiling, laughing, and having fun. He was funny, endlessly cheerful, and the undisputed king of the world's worst dad jokes and the belly-flop champion of the Oasis of the Sea. Butch attended the University of South Alabama, where he made lifelong friends as a proud member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He was crowned "Greek God" during his college years-an honor he never let anyone forget, even 30 years later. Though his joyfulness was without end, Butch also innately understood the quiet moments that called for empathy and compassion. He had a rare ability to lift others and help them see their own potential. He guided and counseled with strength, confidence, and wisdom, consistently proving that perseverance and second chances can change lives. Butch had a successful career marked by numerous professional awards and accolades; despite the many industry successes, he never lost sight of the importance of helping others. He had a knack for seeing the best in people-even when they were unable to see it themselves. "Make a difference. Leave a legacy," was Butch's personal motto. As a coach, he impacted young lives, teaching values rooted in love, integrity, teamwork, and perseverance. Though not the most graceful athlete (famously tearing his MCL dunking on an 8-foot hoop-while unguarded), his ability to mentor and guide was unmatched. Butch's influence reached far beyond the scoreboard. He encouraged a balanced life, grounded in spiritual health and the power of connection with nature and community. Whether fishing, camping, Jeeping, or working on cars, Butch saw life as something to be fully embraced. His faith deepened in later years, especially after reconnecting with his oldest sister, Sandy. Their bond brought renewed spiritual strength and shared adventure. As a husband, Butch adored his wife, Angela, whom he lovingly called his "angel." They shared 30 joyful years of marriage, exploring the world and finding joy in life's quiet and wild moments alike. Their final trip together took them to the breathtaking isles of Fiji-a fitting end to a lifetime of love and adventure.
Butch made sure Angela knew, every single day, just how deeply he loved her. He is survived by his wife, Angela; his son, Zach (Allison); his sister, Sandy; his mother-in-law, Mary Ann; his sisters-in-law Michele (Rob), Nicole (Greg), and Kelly (Tim); his brothers-in-law Joseph and Jeff (Amy); his numerous nieces and nephews and friends too numerous to count. Visitation will be held at Carr Funeral Home in Guntersville, AL on Friday, April 11 between 6 and 8pm. Services will be held on Saturday at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, Butch has requested that donations be made to Shepherd's Cove Hospice in Albertville, AL or to The Miracle League of Albertville at www.pledge.to/douglas-butch-jeffries-memorial.