John J. Butler

John J. Butler obituary, Cornelia, GA

John J. Butler

Upcoming Events

Oct

25

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Purpose Church at Bethel Temple

467 Bethel Temple Road, Demorest, GA 30535

Send Flowers

Only 6 days left for delivery to next service.

John Butler Obituary

Visit the McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home website to view the full obituary.

John J. Butler, Jr., affectionately known as “Big John,” passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. 

Born on August 5, 1957, John grew up in Habersham County, where his love for football first took root. His mother’s unmistakable cheers from the stands were a testament to her pride in her undeniable favorite child.

John’s athletic talent earned him numerous college football scholarship offers, but his heart belonged to Georgia Tech. A lifelong Yellow Jackets fan, he carried that pride with him throughout his life.

John’s love for building and fixing things began alongside his father and continued with his son, Tyler. His hands were always busy—whether repairing something broken or crafting something new. After a dedicated career with the Towns County School District, John retired but never slowed down.

He found joy in the great outdoors—fishing, camping, and soaking in the beauty of nature. A true patriot, John held a deep love for his country and spent countless hours reading about and exploring history, always eager to learn more about the world and its past.

John was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Dr. Jack and Frances Butler. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Angela; daughters, Anna and Morgan; and son, Tyler all of Clarkesville. He also leaves behind his brothers, Steve and Mike of Clarkesville; sister, Cindy of Marietta; and many nieces and nephews. Among them, he shared a special bond with nephews, Andrew and Ethan, and niece, Lauren, who brought him great comfort and joy.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Purpose Church at Bethel Temple, 467 Bethel Temple Road, Demorest, Georgia 30535.

A private interment will be held in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Purpose Church at Bethel Temple, 467 Bethel Temple Road, Demorest, Georgia 30535, or to a charity of your choice.

An online guest register is available at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706-778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home

175 VFW Post Road PO Box 725, Cornelia, GA 30531

Make a Donation
in John Butler's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor John Butler's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Upcoming Events

Oct

25

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Purpose Church at Bethel Temple

467 Bethel Temple Road, Demorest, GA 30535

Send Flowers

Only 6 days left for delivery to next service.