John Daniel "Dan" Butler

John Daniel "Dan" Butler, 80, of Roxboro, NC, died Saturday, May 31, 2025, after a fifteen-year struggle with Alzheimer's. Born in Wichita, Kansas, Dan was the son of the late Frances Elizabeth Ann (nee) Thorpe and Arthur Hill Butler. He graduated from the University of Houston in 1966 and received his MBA from the University of Utah in 1971. After serving in the United States Air Force to the rank of Captain, Dan served twenty-three years as a health care executive and then ten years as an instructor. His professional life began in Houston as an Assistant Administrator for the affiliated facilities of St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital/Texas Children's Hospital/Texas Heart Institute. In 1977, he moved to High Point Memorial Hospital, High Point, NC, where he became CEO in 1980. Under his leadership, the facility's name changed to High Point Regional Hospital, reflecting a broadening of vision and mission. He oversaw the building of the current modern hospital, finished in 1986. In 1987, he was named Senior Vice-President of Blue Cross - Blue Shield of North Carolina in charge of plan design, claims processing, and provider contracts. While holding that position, he and his wife moved to a home on Hyco Lake in Person County. Seeking a quieter, less stressful life, Dan formed his own Realty and Property Management business in 1994. He took a full-time position in 1999 as a business instructor at Piedmont Community College.
Over the years, Dan served as a volunteer and in many leadership roles, including Assistant Scout Master of BSA Troop 1 in High Point, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the North Carolina Hospital Association, Chairman of the Board of United Way of Person County, an active member of the High Point and Roxboro Kiwanis Clubs, and a member of the Long Memorial United Methodist Chancel Choir and of the Community Choir of Person County. He quietly served as a volunteer helping to keep the Emergency Food Pantry stocked for the Christian Help Center of Person County for more than twenty years. At his death, Dan was a member of Person County's American Legion Post 138 and of Long Memorial United Methodist Church, Roxboro.
Dan is survived by his wife of 59 years, Martha Eugene Butler; two sons, Andrew Butler and wife Sarah of Apex, NC, and Eric Butler and wife Erin of Matthews, NC; one brother, Thorpe Butler and wife Rita Saylors of Houston, TX; one sister-in-law, Georgiana Butler of Parker, CO; and five grandchildren. He is predeceased by his brother Tommy Butler and his granddaughter Kathryn Butler.
Truly a gentle man, Dan was a committed Christian who lived out his faith. He will be deeply missed. His memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, June 6, at Long Memorial United Methodist Church with interment in the Long Memorial Columbarium by the Rev. Ed Priestaf. The service will be live-streamed and available for viewing afterward on https://youtube.com/@longmemorial?feature=shared The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the service.
The family would like to express heart-felt gratitude for the devoted care provided by Thomas Walters and Charlotta Lemley.
Memorials may be made to the Long Memorial United Methodist Church Music Fund or to the LMUMC Pastor's Discretionary Fund, P.O. Box 310, Roxboro, NC, 27573.
Condolences may be sent to www.brooksandwhite.com.